I  ANGELA 

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THE   PRIVATE  JOURNAL 

OF 

AARON   BURR 


NUMBER/  "  WOF  TWO  HUNDRED 
AND  FIFTY  COPIES  PRINTED  FOR 
PRIVATE  DISTRIBUTION  ONLY 


THE 

PRIVATE  JOURNAL 

OF 

AARON  BURR 


REPRINTED  IN  FULL  FROM  THE  ORIGINAL 

MANUSCRIPT  IN  THE  LIBRARY  OF 

MR.   WILLIAM  K.  BIXBT, 

OF  ST.  LOUIS,   MO. 


WITH 

AN  INTRODUCTION,  EXPLANATORY  NOTES, 
AND  A  GLOSSARY 


IN  TWO  VOLUMES 

VOL.   I 


ROCHESTER,  N.  Y. 
1903 


COPYRIGHT  190} 

By  WILLIAM   K.  BIXBY 

PUBLISHED  1905 


THE  GBNESBE   PRESS 

THE    POST   EXPRESS   PRINTING   CO. 

ROCHESTER,  N.  Y. 


INTRODUCTION 

TT^OR  a  century  Aaron  Burr  has  been  so  persistently  and 
•*•  vindictively  misrepresented  and  villified  that  he  is  now 
commonly  regarded  as  one  of  the  blackest  characters  in 
American  history.  He  had,  indeed,  some  conspicuous  faults, 
which  can  neither  be  concealed  nor  condoned.  He  made 
promises  easily,  and  often  broke  them  without  regret ;  he 
was  extremely  careless,  though  not  intentionally  dishonest, 
in  his  financial  transactions ;  he  was  a  scoffer  at  religion, 
though  his  father  and  grandfather  had  been  clergymen  ;  his 
political  principles  sat  lightly  upon  him,  and  after  the  death  of 
his  wife  he  was  notorious  for  the  immorality  of  his  private 
life.  This  notoriety,  however,  was  due  in  some  degree  to  the 
entire  absence  of  hypocrisy  in  his  character;  it  was  a  more 
immoral  age  than  this,  many  of  the  prominent  men  of  his  time 
were  as  fond  of  gallantries,  intrigues,  and  amours  as  Burr  him- 
self, but  he  was  less  disposed  than  they  to  resort  to  duplicity 
and  concealment.  His  public  career,  on  the  other  hand,  was 
such  as  to  win  for  a  time  the  applause  of  his  fellow-citizens. 
He  was  a  gallant  soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  famous 
alike  for  personal  bravery  and  the  skill  to  plan  and  execute 
the  boldest  movements ;  he  was  a  politician  of  extraordinary 
skill,  one  of  the  most  brilliant  lawyers  of  his  time,  and  a 
statesman  of  high  ideals  and  lofty  purposes.  In  his  domes- 
tic relations  and  among  his  friends  he  was  the  most  charming 
of  men.  One  of  his  biographers  speaks  of  Burr's  courage 
and  fortitude,  his  generosity,  his  magnanimity,  and  his  capacity 
for  family  affection,  and  adds  :  "  No  heartless  villain,  such 


INTRODUCTION 

as  Burr  has  been  represented,  could  have  won  and  retained 
the  love  of  such  a  wife  and  of  such  a  daughter  as  Burr  had. 
When  all  the  other  witnesses  have  been  heard,  let  the  two 
Theodosias  be  summoned,  and  especially  that  daughter  who 
showed  toward  him  an  affectionate  veneration  unsurpassed 
by  any  recorded  in  history  or  romance.  Such  an  advocate 
as  Theodosia  the  younger  must  avail  in  some  degree,  even 
though  the  culprit  were  brought  before  the  bar  of  Heaven 
itself." 

Aaron  Burr  was  born  in  Newark,  N.  J.,  February  6, 
1756,  of  the  purest  and  best  New  England  stock.  His 
father,  the  Rev.  Aaron  Burr,  a  scholarly  and  eloquent  man, 
was  the  first  president  of  Princeton  College  and  his  mother 
was  a  daughter  of  Jonathan  Edwards,  the  famous  Colonial 
divine.  The  boy  was  left  an  orphan  at  an  early  age,  but  was 
carefully  educated  under  the  direction  of  his  relatives  and  was 
graduated  from  Princeton  at  the  age  of  16  with  the  highest 
honours  of  his  class.  When  the  news  of  the  battle  of  Lex- 
ington reached  him,  he  was  studying  law  at  Litchfield,  Conn. 
His  soul  glowed  with  patriotic  ardor  and  he  soon  joined 
Washington's  army,  to  do  his  share  toward  winning  the  inde- 
pendence of  his  country.  He  accompanied  Arnold's  expedi- 
tion through  the  wilds  of  Maine,  participated  in  the  assault 
on  Quebec,  was  at  Montgomery's  side  when  the  American 
general  fell,  and  endeavored  to  bear  his  body  from  the  field  of 
battle  when  the  attack  failed  and  the  army  began  the  retreat. 
At  the  battle  of  Monmouth  he  commanded  a  brigade  and 
again  greatly  distinguished  himself.  In  1779  he  was  in  com- 
mand of  the  debatable  ground  in  Westchester  county  that  lay 
between  the  lines  of  the  British  and  American  armies,  and 
was  again  proving  his  worth  as  a  soldier  when  a  long  illness 
terminated  his  military  career. 

In  January,  1782,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  at  Albany, 


INTRODUCTION 

N.  Y.,  and  began  the  practice  of  law  in  that  city.  On  July 
2d  of  the  same  year  he  was  married  to  Theodosia  Prevost,  the 
widow  of  an  officer  in  the  British  army  who  had  died  several 
years  before  in  the  West  Indies.  She  was  a  native  of 
Switzerland,  was  well  educated,  was  literary  in  her  tastes, 
and  had  a  most  pleasing  manner.  Years  after  her  death, 
Burr  spoke  of  her  as  "  the  best  woman  and  the  most  charm- 
ing lady "  he  had  ever  met.  Their  correspondence  both 
before  and  after  marriage  was  most  affectionate  and  their 
married  life  was  one  of  unalloyed  happiness.  Their  daughter 
Theodosia  was  born  in  1783.  Mrs.  Burr  died  in  the  spring 
of  1794,  and  thereafter  the  affections  of  the  father  concen- 
trated upon  the  daughter.  He  took  all  possible  pains  with 
her  education  and  the  development  of  her  character,  and  she 
became  not  only  one  of  the  most  beautiful  but  one  of  the  most 
brilliant  of  American  women.  The  affection  of  the  father 
was  returned  with  passionate  ardour,  and  throughout  all  the 
vicissitudes  of  his  career  she  was  his  enthusiastic  champion. 
In  one  of  her  letters  written  when  he  was  in  sore  straits  in  Paris 
and  she  had  failed  to  procure  a  supply  of  funds  for  his  support, 
she  wrote  :  "  I  witness  your  extraordinary  fortitude  with  new 
wonder  at  every  new  misfortune.  Often,  after  reflecting  on 
this  subject,  you  appear  to  me  so  superior,  so  elevated  above 
all  other  men,  I  contemplate  you  with  such  a  strange  mixture 
of  humility,  admiration,  reverence,  love,  and  pride,  that  very 
little  superstition  would  be  necessary  to  make  me  worship  you 
as  a  superior  being,  such  enthusiasm  does  your  character 
excite  in  me.  When  I  afterward  revert  to  myself,  how  insig- 
nificant do  my  best  qualities  appear !  My  vanity  would  be 
greater  if  I  had  not  been  placed  so  near  you ;  and  yet  my 
pride  is  our  relationship.  I  had  rather  not  live  than  not  be 
the  daughter  of  such  a  man."  In  1801  Theodosia  was 
married  to  Joseph  Alston,  of  South  Carolina,  a  young  man  of 


111 


a\ 


INTRODUCTION 

fine  family  and  high  character,  who  became  governor  of  his 
native  state. 

In  1783  Colonel  Burr  removed  to  New  York  city  and 
soon  shared  with  Alexander  Hamilton  the  most  important  law 
business  of  the  metropolis.  One  of  their  contemporaries 
thus  compared  them  :  "  As  a  lawyer  and  a  scholar,  Burr 
was  not  inferior  to  Hamilton.  His  reasoning  powers  were  at 
least  equal.  Their  modes  of  argument  were  very  different. 
Hamilton  was  very  diffuse  and  wordy.  His  words  were  well 
chosen,  and  his  sentences  so  finely  formed  into  a  swelling 
current,  that  the  hearer  would  be  captivated.  The  listener 
would  admire  if  he  was  not  convinced.  Burr's  arguments 
were  generally  methodized  and  compact.  I  used  to  say  of 
them  when  they  were  rivals  at  the  bar,  that  Burr  would  say 
as  much  in  half  an  hour  as  Hamilton  in  two  hours.  Burr 
was  terse  and  convincing,  while  Hamilton  was  flowing  and 
rapturous.  They  were  much  the  greatest  men  in  this  state, 
and  perhaps  the  greatest  men  in  the  United  States." 

Colonel  Burr  was  nominally  an  anti-Federalist  in  politics, 
though  his  political  convictions  were  never  strong.  In  1791 
he  was  elected  to  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  defeating 
General  Schuyler,  Hamilton's  father-in-law,  though  the  Fed- 
eralists had  a  majority  in  the  legislature.  Burr  was  approach- 
able, able,  adroit,  firm  in  the  confidence  of  the  people, 
intensely  loyal  to  his  friends,  and  had  a  fine  record  as  a 
soldier,  while  Schuyler,  though  an  honourable  man,  was  aristo- 
cratic and  unpopular.  Hamilton  took  an  active  part  in  this 
contest,  bore  his  defeat  ungracefully,  and  for  thirteen  years 
thereafter  was  Burr's  bitterest  and  most  implacable  political 
and  personal  enemy. 

In  1792  Colonel  Burr  was  suggested  for  Governor  of 
New  York,  but  Hamilton's  interference  was  successful  and 
Clinton  was  nominated.  In  the  same  year  his  friends  brought 

iv 


INTRODUCTION 

Q 

him  forward  for  the  office  of  Vice-President,  but  again  Ham- 
ilton thwarted  his  ambition.  In  1794  Burr's  appointment 
as  Minister  to  France  was  urged  upon  President  Washington 
by  Madison  and  Monroe,  and  he  was  the  unanimous  choice 
of  his  associates  in  congress,  but  for  a  third  time  Hamilton 
prevailed  over  him.  In  1797  Burr  was  defeated  for 
re-election  to  the  Sejaa.te  and  Hamilton  triumphed  again.  In 
1800  Burr  rallied  his  party  in  New  York  and  by  infinite  tact 
and  skill  carried  the  State  for  the  anti-Federalists,  and  in  the 
Electoral  College  received  as  many  votes  as  Thomas  Jefferson 
for  President  of  the  United  States.  On  account  of  the  tie 
the  election  of  the  President  was  devolved  on  congress. 
Once  more  Hamilton  brought  his  marvelous  power  of  detrac- 
tion into  play,  and  Jefferson  was  elected,  Burr  being  chosen 
for  Vice-President.  During  this  contest  Burr's  friends  com- 
plained bitterly  because  he  would  do  nothing  in  his  own 
behalf.  One  of  his  opponents  declared,  while  the  contest 
was  going  on,  "  Had  Burr  done  anything  for  himself  he  would 
long  ere  this  have  been  President."  Colonel  Burr  was  often 
accused  of  discreditable  methods  in  politics,  but  here,  when 
the  highest  of  all  offices  was  at  stake,  the  true  character  of 
the  man  was  revealed ;  he  would  promise  no  patronage  and 
pledge  himself  to  no  policy,  and  deaf  to  the  impassioned 
importunities  of  his  friends,  refused  absolutely  to  influence  a 
single  vote  in  his  own  behalf.  And  yet  it  was  asserted  sub- 
sequently that  he  was  actively  engaged  in  the  very  intrigue  to 
which,  through  a  sense  of  the  highest  honour  and  the  greatest 
delicacy,  he  would  not  stoop,  even  to  gain  the  Presidency ; 
but  the  jealousy  of  the  rival  leaders  of  his  party  had  been 
aroused,  and  when  Burr,  as  usual,  condescended  to  no 
explanations,  made  no  excuses,  and  attempted  no  justification 
of  his  conduct,  they  resolved  upon  his  overthrow. 

Colonel  Burr  presided  over  the  deliberations  of  the  Senate 


INTRODUCTION 

with  great  dignity  and  impartiality,  but  his  re-election  seemed 
unlikely  and  he  accordingly  resolved  to  appeal  to  the  people  of 
New  York;  in  1804,  therefore,  he  announced  himself  as  an 
independent  candidate  for  Governor.  Again  Hamilton  sprang 
forward  to  thwart  him,  and,  emboldened  by  former  immunity, 
increased  the  bitterness  of  the  attack.  Burr  was  beaten  in 
the  election,  and  considering  himself  the  victim  of  innumera- 
ble wrongs  inflicted  through  a  long  series  of  years,  sought  an 
explanation  from  Hamilton.  Nothing  but  evasions  were 
forthcoming  and  finally  a  challenge  was  sent  and  accepted. 
The  two  men,  long  rivals  in  politics  and  at  the  bar,  met 
under  the  heights  of  Weehawken  on  the  morning  of  July  n, 
1804;  both  fired  when  the  word  was  given,  and  Hamilton 
fell  mortally  wounded.  His  death  resulted  in  a  tremendous 
popular  upheaval.  Burr  was  denounced  as  a  murderer,  was 
indicted  for  murder  in  both  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  and 
was  compelled  to  flee  to  the  Southern  States.  But  both 
before  and  after  the  duel  there  was  nothing  censurable  in 
Burr's  conduct,  when  measured  by  the  standards  of  the  times 
in  which  he  lived.  It  was  an  age  of  duelling ;  both  Burr 
and  Hamilton  were  military  men ;  both  were  strenuous  on 
points  of  honour,  and  at  that  time  there  was  no  man  in  public 
life  who  would  have  hesitated  to  send  a  challenge  when  honour 
was  wounded  or  who  would  have  refused  to  accept  a  chal- 
lenge if  one  was  received.  Hamilton  himself  bore  testimony 
to  this  effect.  He  declared  that  his  "  religious  and  moral 
principles  were  strongly  opposed  to  the  practice  of  duelling," 
and  yet  he  did  not  have  the  moral  courage  to  decline  a  chal- 
lenge, saying  that  "  the  ability  to  be  in  future  useful,  whether 
in  resisting  mischief  or  effecting  good,  in  these  crises  of  our 
public  affairs,  would  probably  be  inseparable  from  a  conform- 
ity with  public  prejudice  in  this  particular."  The  duel  was 
conducted  with  the  utmost  propriety,  the  participants  took 


VI 


INTRODUCTION 

equal  chances  of  life  or  death,  and,  according  to  the  ethics  of 
that  age,  though  not  of  this,  neither  was  in  the  slightest  degree 
censurable. 

After  a  short  tour  through  the  South,  where  he  was 
received  by  the  best  society,  Colonel  Burr  returned  to  Wash- 
ington to  resume  his  duties  as  Vice-President  of  the  United 
States.  He  presided  over  the  Senate  during  the  trial  of  Judge 
Chase  of  Maryland  "  with  the  dignity  and  impartiality  of  an 
angel  and  the  rigor  of  a  demon,"  and  the  day  after  the  trial 
closed,  his  term  being  about  to  expire,  delivered  a  farewell 
address  to  the  Senate,  which  was  so  full  of  eloquence  and 
pathos  that  most  of  the  Senators  were  in  tears  when  he 
concluded. 

Ruined  politically  and  financially,  with  his  beautiful 
home  at  Richmond  Hill  sold  for  debt,  ostracised  by  society 
and  shunned  by  men  of  all  parties,  Burr  now  resolved  upon 
a  journey  to  the  West.  Floating  down  the  Ohio,  he  stopped 
at  Blennerhasset's  island,  a  few  miles  below  Marietta,  where 
he  fascinated  Blennerhasset  and  his  wife  with  the  brilliancy  of 
his  conversation  and  the  charm  and  polish  of  his  manner.  At 
Nashville  he  was  entertained  by  General  Jackson.  At  Fort 
Massac  he  met  General  Wilkinson,  commander  of  the 
Western  armies,  an  old  friend  and  army  commander,  who 
received  him  graciously.  At  New  Orleans  he  was  entertained 
like  a  prince.  After  his  return  to  Philadelphia  he  applied  to 
Jefferson  for  a  foreign  appointment,  which  was  refused  on  the 
ground  that  he  had  forfeited  the  confidence  of  the  country. 
His  thoughts  then  turned  to  the  Southwest.  He  resolved 
upon  the  establishment  of  a  colony,  and  purchased  400,000 
acres  of  land  on  the  banks  of  the  Washita,  a  tributary  of  the 
Red  river.  At  that  time  there  were  many  prominent  Ameri- 
cans who  expected  and,  indeed,  advocated  war  with  Spain. 
Burr  was  one  of  these,  and  he  determined  to  be  on  the  fron- 


vn 


INTRODUCTION 

tier  when  hostilities  broke  out,  and  be  ready  to  take  part  in 
them.  But  when  his  expedition  reached  Frankfort  he  was 
arrested,  charged  with  conspiring  to  injure  a  foreign  power 
with  which  the  United  States  was  at  peace.  Henry  Clay 
defended  him,  Burr  himself  made  an  eloquent  speech,  and  he 
was  triumphantly  acquitted,  a  result  that  was  celebrated  with 
a  grand  ball  and  great  popular  rejoicings.  Burr  went  on  to 
Bayou  Pierre,  near  Natchez.  Here  he  was  arrested  again, 
and  again  released.  But  further  legal  proceedings  were  set 
on  foot  and  Burr,  despairing  of  success  in  his  expedition, 
abandoned  it,  crossed  the  Mississippi,  and  disappeared  in  the 
wilderness.  A  few  weeks  later  he  was  arrested  near  Fort 
Stoddart  on  the  Alabama  river,  and  taken  under  guard  to 
Richmond,  Va.  Here  he  was  indicted  for  treason  and  mis- 
demeanor. The  trial  that  followed  was  one  of  the  most 
remarkable  in  the  history  of  the  United  States.  The  presid- 
ing judge  was  John  Marshall,  Chief  Justice  of  the  Supreme 
Court,  and  one  of  the  greatest  and  purest  judges  that  ever 
lived.  Several  of  the  ablest  lawyers  in  the  country  appeared 
for  Burr  and  for  the  government,  and  the  whole  power  of 
President  Jefferson's  administration  was  exerted  to  bring 
about  a  conviction.  Colonel  Burr  took  an  active  part  in  his 
own  defense,  conducting  himself  with  great  dignity  and  con- 
stantly manifesting  his  remarkable  ability  as  a  lawyer.  The 
result  of  the  trial  was  a  triumphant  acquittal.  Burr  had,  indeed, 
discussed  warlike  enterprises,  but,  as  the  prosecution's  own 
witnesses  admitted,  his  plans  were  not  to  be  put  into  execu- 
tion till  the  United  States  itself  had  taken  the  initiative  and 
had  declared  war  against  Spain.  He  may  have  had  some 
visionary  schemes ;  he  may  have  dwelt  upon  the  project  of 
driving  the  Spaniards  out  of  Mexico  and  founding  an  empire  ; 
but  there  is  no  reason  to  suppose  that  he  intended  to  attack 
New  Orleans,  that  he  intrigued  to  bring  about  the  secession 


via 


INTRODUCTION 

of  the  West,  that  he  intended  at  any  time  to  defy  the  military 
power  or  violate  the  laws  of  his  country,  or  that  his  projects 
were  in  any  respect  treasonable. 

Partly  to  escape  the  importunities  of  creditors  whom  he 
could  not  satisfy,  partly  to  allow  the  popular  resentment  to 
cool,  and  partly  with  the  hope  of  inducing  some  European 
government  to  interfere  in  Mexico,  and  give  him  employment 
suitable  to  his  abilities,  Colonel  Burr  sailed  for  Europe  on 
June  i,  1808,  and  remained  abroad  for  four  years. 

During  his  absence  he  visited  England,  Scotland,  Sweden, 
Germany,  France,  and  Holland  in  turn  and  sailed  for  home 
from  England.  Though  American  diplomatic  representatives 
at  all  foreign  capitals  looked  upon  him  with  suspicion  and 
endeavoured  in  every  possible  way  to  embarrass  him,  he  was 
everywhere  received  with  the  greatest  cordiality,  and  moved 
always  in  the  highest  society.  His  political  projects,  however, 
were  a  failure,  the  European  governments  not  being  willing 
to  countenance  interference  with  the  trans-Atlantic  posses- 
sions of  Spain.  When  he  realized  this,  Burr  was  desirous  of 
returning  to  the  United  States.  But  the  power  of  his  per- 
sonal and  political  enemies  was  so  great  that  for  many  weary 
months  he  could  not  obtain  the  necessary  passport  from  the 
French  authorities,  and  was  virtually  a  prisoner  in  Paris.  His 
supply  of  money  was  soon  exhausted ;  he  either  could  not  or 
would  not  do  anything  to  earn  a  living;  remittances  from 
home  were  interrupted  or  had  become  impossible,  and  he 
finally  became  absolutely  dependent  upon  his  new  friends  in 
Paris.  For  weeks  at  a  time  he  suffered  severely  for  lack  of 
fire,  clothing,  and  food.  When,  however,  he  succeeded  in 
borrowing  money  he  became  utterly  reckless  in  his  expendi- 
ture, buying  costly  presents,  useless  books,  unnecessary  wear- 
ing apparel,  and  expensive  wines,  and  making  liberal  payments 
to  women  whose  acquaintance  he  formed  on  the  street. 


IX 


INTRODUCTION 

When  his  funds  ran  low,  he  would  again  feel  the  pinch  of 
poverty,  and  after  exhausting  his  credit  at  the  pawnshops 
would  sink  once  more  into  abject  misery.  Through  it  all  he 
preserved  wonderful  good  humour,  displayed  a  most  astonishing 
faith  in  himself,  and  never  doubted  that  fortune's  wheel  would 
turn.  In  these  trials  he  exhibited  one  of  his  remarkable 
characteristics.  No  matter  how  poverty  stricken,  how  cold, 
or  how  hungry,  he  never  complained,  never  denounced  his 
enemies,  never  entered  upon  a  justification,  or  even  an  expla- 
nation, of  his  own  conduct,  and  never  lost  his  serenity  of 
mind. 

Upon  his  return  to  the  United  States  Colonel  Burr 
settled  in  New  York  and  resumed  the  practice  of  law.  There 
was  still  a  strong  popular  prejudice  against  him  and  progress 
was  slow  and  difficult.  When,  however,  some  degree  of  suc- 
cess seemed  certain,  he  suffered  two  crushing  blows,  the 
death  of  his  grandson,  followed  within  six  months  by  the 
tragic  death  of  his  dearly  beloved  daughter,  Theodosia.  The 
boy,  the  "  little  Gampy "  so  often  mentioned  in  Burr's 
letters,  died  on  June  30,  1812,  and  the  poor  mother  was 
heartbroken.  She  became  listless,  apathetic  and  morose ; 
happiness  had  fled,  hope  was  gone,  and  life  itself  became  a 
dreary  burden.  Her  father,  deeply  distressed  as  he  learned  of 
her  pitiable  condition,  sent  a  physician  to  South  Carolina  to 
bring  her  to  New  York ;  for  in  change  of  scene  and  the  lov- 
ing care  of  the  father  lay  the  only  possibilities  of  saving  her 
life.  She  accordingly  embarked  at  Charleston  on  the  schooner 
Patriot  on  December  30,  1812,  but  within  a  few  days  all  on 
board  were  lost  in  a  gale  off  Cape  Hatteras.  The  father 
watched  with  constantly  growing  anxiety  for  the  arrival  of  the 
vessel,  and  haunted  the  docks  in  search  of  news  as  the  weary 
days  dragged  on.  When  the  terrible  truth  was  borne  in 
upon  him  by  lapse  of  time  and  the  entire  absence  of  news, 


INTRODUCTION 

Colonel  Burr,  who  had  withstood  a  succession  of  calamities, 
nearly  succumbed  to  this  the  most  awful  blow  of  his  tragic 
career.  Thereafter  life  had  no  allurements  for  him ;  there 
were  no  incentives  to  effort,  and  the  broken-hearted  man  sank 
slowly  into  poverty  and  obscurity.  In  1830,  at  the  age  of 
78,  he  married  Eliza  Bowen  Jumel,  the  widow  of  a  rich  wine 
merchant.  The  union  soon  proved  unhappy,  owing  to  the 
husband's  management  of  the  wife's  property,  and  they  finally 
separated,  though  they  were  not  divorced.  In  1833  Colonel 
Burr  suffered  two  strokes  of  apoplexy,  which  rendered  him 
nearly  helpless.  He  lingered  for  three  years,  a  constant 
burden  on  charitable  friends,  and  died  at  Port  Richmond, 
Staten  Island,  New  York,  on  the  afternoon  of  September  14, 
1836,  in  his  eighty-first  year.  By  his  own  request ; he  was 
buried  at  Princeton  near  the  graves  of  his  father  and  grand- 
father. 

During  his  tour  of  Europe,  Colonel  Burr  kept  a  Journal, 
intended  for  his  own  information  and  the  amusement  of  his 
daughter.  Apparently  he  made  a  copy  of  what  he  had  written 
and  mailed  it  to  her  from  time  to  time.  Her  copy,  however, 
must  have  varied  in  many  respects  from  the  original,  for  it  is 
simply  inconceivable  that  a  father  who  loved  and  respected  a 
daughter  as  Burr  loved  and  respected  Theodosia  could  have 
written  for  her  perusal  many  of  the  things  contained  in  his 
Journal.  Shortly  before  his  death,  Colonel  Burr  put  all  his 
papers  into  the  hands  of  his  personal  friend  and  chosen  biog- 
rapher, Matthew  L.  Davis,  of  New  York.  In  1837,  Mr. 
Davis  published  the  "  Memoirs  of  Aaron  Burr,"  in  two 
volumes.  This  was  well  received  and  in  the  following  year 
he  published,  also  in  two  volumes,  "  The  Private  Journal  of 
Aaron  Burr  During  his  Residence  of  Four  Years  in  Europe, 
with  Selections  from  His  Correspondence."  Though  Mr. 
Davis  had  Colonel  Burr's  own  copy  of  the  Journal,  he  did  not 


XI 


INTRODUCTION 

publish  it  in  full.  On  the  contrary,  he  took  the  most  aston- 
ishing liberties  with  it,  leaving  out  hundreds  of  pages,  omitting 
nearly  all  the  passages  in  French,  which  were  very  numerous, 
and  occasionally  inserting  words  that  Burr  never  used.  His 
reason  may  have  been  that  Colonel  Burr's  reputation  was  in 
his  keeping  and  that  personal  loyalty  to  him  required  that 
nothing  should  be  printed  that  might  tend  to  lower  it  in  the 
opinion  of  the  people.  But  certainly  this  reason  has  no  force 
now,  and  in  the  following  pages  the  Journal  appears  as  nearly 
as  possible  as  Burr  wrote  it,  and  is  reprinted  from  the  original 
MS.  The  work  is  prepared  for  private  and  gratuitous  distri- 
bution ;  the  edition  is  limited  to  250  copies,  the  type  has 
been  distributed,  and  no  copies  will  ever  be  offered  for  sale. 
The  Journal  will  be  of  very  great  interest  and  value  to  those 
who  would  understand  the  remarkable  man  whose  inmost 
secrets  are  here  revealed.  He  wrote  with  the  freedom  of  a 
Rousseau,  and  attempted  no  concealment  except  such  as 
might  be  effected  by  the  use  of  the  French  language,  the  per- 
sistent abbreviation  of  important  words,  and  careless  and 
often  scarcely  legible  handwriting. 

The  liberties  which  Davis  took  with  the  Journal  were 
amazing  and  some  of  his  changes  were  ridiculous.  For 
example,  Burr  wrote,  «  I  saw  her  home  ";  Davis  prints  it,  "  I 
waited  upon  her  home."  Again,  Burr  wrote  :  "  This  cursed 
platina  pen  is  too  stiff;  see  what  devilish  scrawls  it  makes." 
Davis  printed  it,  "  This  platina  pen  is  too  stiff;  see  what 
scrawls  it  makes."  A  third  example :  Burr  wrote,  referring 
to  a  servant  named  Juliet,  "  I  opened  my  eyes  and  lo  !  Ju. 
with  a  bowl  of  bouillon  gras  in  her  hand."  Davis  prints  this, 
"  I  opened  my  eyes,  and  lo  !  there  she  was  with  my  break- 
fast." Hundreds  of  changes  of  this  kind  might  be  cited. 
Some  changes  were  made  in  the  hope  of  saving  the  feelings 
or  the  reputation  of  particular  individuals.  Here  is  an  exam- 


xn 


INTRODUCTION 

pie:  At  Paris  on  June  28,  1811,  Burr  wrote,  "  Vanderlyn 
came  in.  If  he  does  not  go  to  United  States  he  will  be  in 
jail  here  within  a  year."  Davis  gives  it,  "  I  anticipate  much 
trouble  for  him  in  another  year."  A  thousand  changes  were 
made  by  Davis  because  he  could  not  read  or  understand  the 
MS.  On  one  occasion  when  he  was  not  feeling  well,  Burr 
wrote  that  he  had  been  "  taking  rhad.  rhei"  meaning  radix 
Rhei.  Rhubarb  was  a  favourite  remedy  with  him,  but  in 
Davis's  reprint  the  words  rhad.  rhei.  are  printed  "  good 
wine."  In  the  notes  to  the  present  edition  attention  is  called 
to  many  other  examples  of  this  kind.  Colonel  Burr  made 
very  frequent  references  to  his  amorous  escapades.  His 
biographer  usually  omitted  them  entirely.  Occasionally  they 
were  admitted  after  free  revision.  For  example,  under  date 
of  Paris,  October  i,  1810,  Burr  wrote:  "  Had  an  hour  to 
spare  and  I  maliciously  set  out  on  mischief.  Called  on 
Edwards ;  out.  On  Prevost ;  out,  and  meeting  no  obstacles 
in  the  way,  got  safe  to  Vanderlyn's  at  ^  p.  3.  Dined  there 
and  at  6  came  off  together.  Parted  at  the  Pont  des  Arts,  he 
to  go  on  some  errand,  I  to  come  home ;  but  went  round  by 
Viol.j  out.  On  the  way,  however,  a  renc.;  6  francs  for 
pros,  only ;  home  at  8.  Read  two  hours  in  my  Sp.  gram- 
mar. Made  caf.  blanc.  Having  no  sug.,  took  of  that  infernal 
strop  de  raisin,  which  with  sour  milk  made  a  mess  fit  for  the 
devil's  feast,  but  swallowed  it  and  am  still  alive  as  you  see  at 
YZ  p.  12."  This  is  the  way  Davis  printed  the  passage: 
"  Had  an  hour  to  spare.  Called  on  Prevost  and  Edwards ; 
both  out ;  and,  meeting  no  obstacle  in  the  way,  got  safe  to 
Vanderlyn's  at  half  past  three.  Dined,  and  at  six  came  off 
together.  Parted  at  the  Pont  Desarts.  He  to  go  on  some 
errand,  and  I  to  come  home.  Read  two  hours  in  my  Spanish 
grammar.  Made  coffee  blanc ;  having  no  sugar,  took  of  that 
horrid  strop  de  raisin,  which,  with  sour  milk,  made  a  mess 


xin 


INTRODUCTION 

unfit  for  man  or  beast ;  but  swallowed  it,  and  am  still  alive, 

as  you  see." 

It  seems  improbable  that  Davis  understood  French,  for 
nearly  all  of  Burr's  French  is  omitted  in  the  Davis  reprint. 
Burr  used  French  when  referring  to  his  discreditable  adven- 
tures, ("accidents,"  he  called  them),  but  he  used  it  very 
frequently  for  other  purposes.  He  shows,  indeed,  throughout 
the  entire  Journal  a  singular  fondness  for  using  words  from 
languages  other  than  his  own.  This  is  childish  at  times.  In 
Sweden  he  learned  the  words  brod  and  mjolk,  and  then  used 
them  almost  exclusively  for  three  years  thereafter,  instead  of 
the  English  words,  bread  and  milk.  He  seemed  immensely 
pleased  when  he  could  draw  upon  several  languages  to  form 
a  single  sentence.  For  example,  he  wrote  :  "  Bro.  and  cas. 
for  din"  Here  we  have  four  languages  represented  in  a 
sentence  of  five  words !  Bro.  is  an  abbreviation  of  the 
Swedish  word  brod,  bread  ;  cas.  is  probably  Burr's  attempt  to 
write  the  German  word  Kase,  cheese,  and  din.  is  his  abbrevia- 
tion of  the  French  word  diner,  dinner. 

In  the  notes  an  attempt  is  made  to  give  a  correct  ren- 
dering of  all  phrases  in  foreign  languages  which  Burr  used, 
and  to  accompany  these  with  translations.  Necessarily  many 
words  are  translated  that  are  familiar  to  those  who  read  these 
pages,  and  to  such,  unfortunately,  the  notes  may  seem  burden- 
some. But  to  those  entirely  unfamiliar  with  foreign  languages 
and  particularly  with  French,  the  translations  will  be  necessary 
to  an  understanding  of  the  text.  In  the  Glossary  at  the  end 
of  the  second  volume  all  the  phrases  used  by  Burr  will  be 
found  alphabetically  arranged  and  convenient  for  reference. 


xiv 


PRIVATE    JOURNAL 
OF    AAR  ON    BURR 

UNE  i,  1808.  Having  paid  $60 
for  the  cabin  of  the  Clarissa  Ann, 
and  also  for  a  pilot-boat  to  put  me 
on  board,  I  was  to  meet  the  pilot- 
boat  near  the  Narrows.  At  10  A. 

M.,  T.    arrived  at ,  where   I 

lodged.  At  4  P.  M.,  left  in  a  skiff,  with  a  man 
and  a  boy.  Heavy  wind.  We  went  on  Long  Island 
at  the  place  agreed  on,  and  there  passed  the  night. 

2.  At  9  A.  M.  crossed  to  Staten  Island,  having 
seen    neither  S.  nor  pilot-boat.     Returned.      At  1 1 
A.     M.    took    boat    and    landed    at    Communipas. 
The  boy  and   I  went  to  the  Vineyard,  and  reached 
there  i  P.  M. 

3.  Remained  till  8  A.  M.     Left  for  the  Nar- 
rows with .     Reached  the  house  of  G.  Kemble. 

4.  G.  Kemble  arrived.     Very  politely  received 
by  Mr.  K . 

5.  Remained  here. 

6.  R.  Swartwout.     At  9  P.  M.  went  with  him 
to  New  York.     Lodged  with  J.  S. 

7.  H.  introduced  W.  E.  Hosack.     10  P.  M., 
met  T.     At  1 1  A.  M.  went  on  board  pilot-boat  with 
F.  B.  O.     Set  sail. 

8.  No  wind.     At  3   P.  M.  anchored  between 
Narrows  and  Sandy  Hook. 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

9.  At  7  P.  M.  set  sail.  At  6  P.  M.  see  the 
packet  Queen  Charlotte.  Fair  wind.  Passengers, 
Edwards1,  Luscomb,  Clough,  Hosack2,  Mackay, 
Harrison,  wife  of  Judge  Thorpe  and  six  children, 
Henley,  and  Charles  Alexander  Williamson. 

July  13,  1808'.  Arrived  at  Falmouth  at  8  P. 
M.  Custom  house,  &c. 

14.  At  9  P.  M.  took  mail,  with  Captain  Ger- 
rard  of  the   Marines  and  Mr.  Luscomb.     Breakfast 
at  Tinro.     Insolence  of  landlord.     Arrived  at  Exeter 
at  9  P.  M. 

15.  Leave    Exeter    at    4    A.    M.       Breakfast 
at .      Very   bad  and   very   disobliging.       Lus- 
comb leaves  us. 

1 6.  Arrived    at    ^    p.    6    at    London.     Set 
down  at   Gloster  Coffee-house,  Piccadilly,  with  Ger- 
rard.     Garret  rooms.     No  breakfast  till  9.     Breakfast 
in  coffee-room.     Call    at   John  Lewis    Mallet4 — bien 
recu*.     On  Reeves6   with  letter  of  Willot ;    his    sur- 
prise — joy.      On    Castlereagh   and   Cooke ;    out    of 
town.     Soir1 — opera — galere*. 

26.  Rode  in  stage  to  Weybridge  to  see  Ma- 
dame Prevost9,  about  nineteen  miles.  Arrive  at  i 
P.  M.  Dine  at  Robson's  with  Hosack  et  ux10.  Ma- 

I     H.  E.  Edwards — Aaron  Burr's  assumed  name. 

z  "W.  E.  Hosack,  a  Scotch  merchant  of  very  respectable  standing  and  character,  who  is 
established  at  New  York,  and  is  now  on  his  way  to  Scotland." — Burr,  in  a  private  letter,  July 
19,  1808. 

}  In  the  Journal  the  memoranda  of  the  voyage  are  merely  brief  notices  of  the  wind  and 
weather. 

4  Mallet  was  a  second  cousin  of  Frederic  Prevost,  son  of  Mrs.  Aaron  Burr  by  her  first 
husband. 


5  Well  received. 

6  John  Reeves,  an  official  of  the  British  Alien  Office. 

7  Evening. 

8  Forealtrii.     Gallery. 

9  A  relative  of  the  Mrs.  Prevost  whom  Burr  had  married,  now  dead. 
10  For  el  uxor.     And  wife. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

dame  Prevost,  Constant  et  ux.  Dinner  very  simple. 
After  dinner,  cards.  Retire  with  Madame  Prevost 
and  Madame  C.  at  n.  Lodge  at  inn  called  The 
Ship.  (Mem  :  Picture  of  Sir  George  Prevost,  painted 
by  Miss  de  Tott,  daughter  of  Baron  de  Tott,  who 
now  resides  with  the  Margravine  of  Anspach.) 

August  10,  1808.  Declaration  of  Aaron  Burr, 
an  alien,  taken  before  John  Reeves,  Esq.,  the  loth 
day  of  August,  1808  : 

Declare,  ist,  your  name,  age  place  of  birth,  rank,  occupation 
or  profession  [the  same  in  French] .  Aaron  Burr,  United  States, 
rank  of  citizen,  forty  and  upward, 

zd.  Your  residence,  when  last  in  your  own  country.  New 
York. 

3d.  Your  last  and  principal  residence  before  your  arrival  in 
this  kingdom.  New  York. 

4th.  To  whom  known  in  this  kingdom  and  the  place  of  his  or 
her  residence. 

5th.  For  what  reason  or  purpose  are  you  come  ?  /  am  known 
personally  to  Lord  Mulgrave  and  Mr.  Canning,  to  whom  the  motives  to 
my  visit  have  been  declared.  These  reasons  have  long  been  known  to 
Lord  Melville. 

6th.  When  and  where  did  you  land  in  this  kingdom  ?  July. 
Falmouth. 

7th.  Where  you  now  reside,  and  have  resided  since  your  last 
arrival  ?  London,  Craven  street,  No.  jo. 

Sign  your  name. 

The  undersigned  was  born  within  the  King's  allegiance  and  his 
parents  British  subjects. 

A.  BURR. 

21.  Received  invitation  from  Jeremy  Bentham1 
inviting  me  to  pass  some  days,  chez  lui? 


1  Jeremy  Bentham  was   born  in  London  in  1748,  and  died  there  in  iSjz.     He  was  graduated 
from  Queen's  College,  Oxford,  in  176}  ;  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  but  gave  up  the  practice  of  the 
law  to  devote  himself  to  literary  pursuits.     On  the  death  of  his  father,  in  1791,  he  inherited  a 
fortune  which  enabled  him  fully  to  indulge  his  literary  tastes.     His  chief  works  are:  "  Introduc- 
tion to  the  Principles  of  Morals  and  Legislation  "  (1789),  "  Fragment  on  Government "  (1776), 
"  The  Constitutional  Code  "  (1830),  and  "  Rationale  of  Judicial  Evidence"  (1817). 

2  At  his  home. 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

13.  Dr.  Joseph  Moore  introduced  me  to  Fuseli, 
to  view  Royal  Academy. 

1 8.  At  9  this  morning  found  my  trunk.  At  10 
got  into  the  stage  for  Gadstone.  To  Croydon  10 
miles,  where  waited  two  hours,  and  then  hired  post- 
chaise  to  take  me  to  Barrow  Green,  near  Gadstone,  13 
miles;  in  fact  12.  Arrived  thereat  4  P.  M.  Found 
Jeremy  Bentham,  and  his  secretary  J.  Herbert  Koe, 
waiting  for  me  at  the  gate.  Affectionate  reception. 
Introduced  to  his  "workshop."  License  over  his 
papers1. 

19  and  20.     With  Bentham  at  Barrow  Green. 

21.  Sunday.     Returned  to  town.     Took  bed  at 
30  Craven  street. 

22.  Lodged    at    Bentham's    house    at   Queen's 
Square    Place.       Very    kind    reception    by    Madame 
Stoker*.     Wrote  Bentham  by  mail  this  afternoon,  and 
by  baggage  wagon  this  evening.     Letter  from  Beckett, 
first  under  secretary  to  Lord  Hawkesbury,  asking  me 
to  call  on  Friday  last. 

24.  Letter  to  D.  M.  Randolph  to  consult  Mar- 
quis Iruko  about  J.  Bentham's  "Tactics."  At  10 
got  into  stage-coach  for  Croydon.  Stopped  to  see  the 
railway.  Four  horses  were  drawing  sixteen  wagons, 
containing  two  tons  fifteen  hundred,  equal  to  forty-four 
tons ;  being  eleven  tons  to  each  horse. 

26,  27,  28  and  29.  At  Barrow  Green.  Amiable 
simplicity  of  J.  Bentham.  He  was  interested  by  the 

I  Meaning  that  license  to  examine  Bentham's  papers  was  given.  In  a  letter  to  an  American 
correspondent,  Burr  said  that  Bentham  gave  him  "  an  unqualified  privilege  to  read  anything  and 
at  any  time." 

i     Bentham's  housekeeper. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

picture  of  Theo1.       "  Dear  little  creature.     Let  her 
take  care."     Gave  me  a  letter  to  General  Bentham. 

London,  September  24,  1808.  Received  Guille- 
mard's  note,  and  cards  of  Gov.  Franklin  and  Mr. 
Luscomb. 

26.  Took  post-chaise  for  Little  Gaddesden,  and 
arrived  at  Major  Gamble's   at  7  P.  M.     Kind  and 
hospitable  reception. 

27.  Visited  Bartlett.    Les  dames*  Bartlett  ordered 
horses,  and  rode  with  me  eight  or  ten  miles. 

28.  Visited    Lord    Bridgwater    (Egerton,   Earl 
of  Bridgwater),  not  chez  lui* ;  left  cards.     His  build- 
ing, three  hundred   feet  front ;   wall,  three  hundred 
feet  deep.     Went  with  Mrs.  Bartlett  and  Mrs.  Span, 
her  daughter,  in  their  carriage,  to  dine  at  6   P.  M. 
at  Asp  Ridge  House.     Handed  in  Madame  Bartlett. 
Lord    Bridgwater   hands    Miss    Bartlett    to    dinner. 
Lady  Bridgwater  and  Madame  Span  get  on  as  they 
can    at   dinner.     Came  off  at  10.     Lord  Bridgwater 
going  to-morrow  to  London.     Apologizes  for  post- 
poning his  visit.     Offer  of  service ;  politesse*.     On 
returning  cbez*  Gamble,  debate  on  handing  in  a  lady — 
on   English   ease  and   politeness.      Proposed  to  call 
next  day  on  Lord  Bridgwater — "  very  correct."     That 
Lord  Bridgwater  might  hand  in,  but  nobody  else — 
"  no  ceremony."     Debate  about  etiquette  at  the  Court 
of  France.     "  But  the  Court  of  France  is  here." 


i  Meaning  Theodosia,  his  daughter.     Usually  referred  to  as  T.  hereafter. 

T.  The  ladies. 

3  At  home. 

4  Politeness,  i.  e.,  for  politeness'  sake. 

5  Chex  means  at  or  to  the  house  of;  hence  here,  to  Gamble's  house. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

29.  Mr.  Gilbert,  the  rector,  and  Bartlett  call. 
Visit   les   dames    Bartlett,    &c.     Walked    to    see    the 
garden    of    Asp    Ridge.       Dine    at    Gamble's    at    5. 
Bartlett  ux.  and  Span.     Renew  debate  on   etiquette, 
handing    in,   &c.     McCarthy    and   les  dames  sustain 
Gamp1.     Cards.    Visited  Gilbert,  who  walked  with  us 
to   see   the  church,  supposed  to   be   built   when   the 
Monastery  des  Bonbommes*  was  Asp  Ridge  in   1200. 

Lord    Bridgwater    calls,   and    with   him    Mr. . 

Lord  Bridgwater  invites  me  to  dine,  take  bed,  &c.,  &c. 

30.  Left  Little  Gaddesden  at  6  A.  M.,  having 
engaged  to  return  on  Tuesday.     Arrive  in   London, 
27  miles,  at  1 1.     At  30  Craven  street,  found  note  and 
card  from    Captain  Sinclair.     Called   on   him   at   the 
Virginia    Coffee-house,    and  being  abroad,   left   note 
inviting  him  to  dine  with  me. 

October  i,  1808.  S.  Swartwout  called  with  his 
letter  from  Lees.  Called  on  Dr.  Lettsome,  who  was 
not  at  home.  Being  engaged  to  the  play  with  S.  and 
M.,  was  obliged  to  send  excuse,  feeling  the  approaches 
of  a  headache. 

2.  Kept  bed  till  4  P.  M.,  fasting ;  hard  head- 
ache.    At  9  took  tea. 

3.  Rose  at  yz  p.  8,  quite  well.     At  Ridgway's ; 
left  with   madame,  an    obliging   woman,  a    mem.   of 
books    for   A.    B.   AJ.     At  Gilbert's,   bootmaker— a 
great   liar;   boots   not   done.     At    Madame    Mallet, 

1      r or  del  Bonjhommfs, 

}     Aaron  Burr  Alston,  Theodoiia  Burr  Alston's  son. 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

veuve1.  Catherine  went  yesterday  to  Weybridge, 
having  left  a  civil  message  for  A.  B.2  at  Madame 
AchaudV.  All  the  family,  except  Mr.  Achaud,  gone 
to  Tunbridge,  whither  Constant  et  ux.  had  gone  some 
days  before.  Madame  Wilken,  Craven  street ;  in  the 
evening,  at  the  trunkmaker's.  Coach  hire,  9  shillings. 
But  first  in  the  morning  on  Reeves.  Prayed  to  dine, 
which  accepted.  T4:  George  Chalmers5,  author  of 
certain  compilations ;  Brown,  who  had  been  in  Russia  ; 
Madame  B.  sa  mere6.  Stayed  till  9  o'clock. 

4.  Rose  at  6.     Sent  porter  for  trunk  and  boots. 
Neither  done.     Clothes  not  come  from  wash.     Stage 
for   Gaddesden  to  start  at   1 2,  and    nothing  ready ; 
bought  two  shirts.     Clothes  and  trunk  came  at  ^  p. 
1 1 .     Packed  up  tout  suite1  and  drove  comme  diable*  to 
stage-house,  Oxford  street.     Discovered  that  the  hour 
of  departure  was  one,  and  not  twelve  o'clock.     Start 
at  T/2  p.  i  o'clock.     Arrive  at  7.     Servant  of  Major 
Gamble  waiting  at  the  inn  to  receive  and  conduct  me. 

Took  tea  at   Bartlett's.     History   of  ball  at . 

Nonchalance  de  Madame9.     Mode  of  leading  out  dames. 

5.  Rose    at   7.      Called    on    Mr.   Gilbert,    the 
rector,  to  return  his  visit.     He  got  up  horses  to  ride 
with  me.     Called  on   Lord  Bridgwater.      T:    Lord 

1  Widow. 

2  Aaron  Burr. 

J  Madame  Achaud  was  first  cousin  to  Frederick  Prevost,  son  of  Mrs.  Aaron  Burr  by  her 
first  husband.  Mrs.  Constant  was  Mrs.  Achaud's  eldest  daughter.  The  houses  of  Achaud  and 
Mallet  (previously  mentioned)  were  frequented  by  famous  literary  personages. 

4  T.     French  word  meaning  there.     It  is  used  throughout  the  Journal  for  there  were   present. 

5  Born  at  Fochabers,  Scotland,   1759;    died  at   London,   1825.      Historian   and   antiquary. 
Author  of  "Caledonia"   (1807-24),  "Life  of  Mary,  Queen  of  Scots "   (1818),  and  numerous 
other  works. 

6  His  mother. 

7  For  tout  de  suite.     At  once. 

8  For  cemme  It  diable.     Like  the  devil. 

9  The  nonchalance  or  unconcern  of  Madame. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

Grimstone  and  two  daughters.     Went  on   to   Berk- 

hamstead,  into  the  church to  Queen  Elizabeth. 

Left  horses  at  the  Swan.  Called  at  Ford's,  Berkham- 
stead  Place,  half  a  mile  from  town,  to  see  the  ruins  of 
the  castle.  Returned  at  4  ;  dinner  at  5.  T:  Rev.  Mr. 
Gilbert  and  Bartlett.  Cards.  Won  two  shillings  and 
six-pence  of  the  rector. 

6.  Rose  at  8.     Bartlett  and  the  rector  rode  to 
show  me  the  remains  of  a  Roman  camp,  eight  miles 
off.     Magnificent  and  extensive  view.     Returned  by 
Dunstable,   famous    for   straw-hat    making.     Strange 
dialect  of  the  peasants.     At  6  to  dine  at  Asp  Ridge. 
T:  Rev.  Nor  et  ux.     Mr.  Nor  is  one  of  the  King's 
chaplains.     At  y2  p.  8  start  in  four  carriages  for  the 
ball    at    Berkhamstead.       Dancing    had    commenced 
when  we  arrived.     Supper  at  i.     Got  home  at  3. 

7.  Called  at  Asp   Ridge ;  personne\  all   airing. 
During  my  absence  to-day,  Lady  Bridgwater  called  in 
her  gig,  driving  herself,  and  left  for  me  C.'s  "  History 
of  Hertfordshire." 

8.  Dined  at  Bartlett's.     Barker  et  ux.     He  is 
uncle  of  Lord  Lake,  Rector  of-         — ,  and  Chaplain 
to  the  Prince  of  Wales.     Music  and  dancing.      Barker 
invites    me    to    dine    on    Monday,   which    I    accept. 
Breakup  before  12. 

^  9.  Breakfast  at  M'Carthy's  at  10,  having  agreed 
to  ride  with  him  to  see  the  place  of  the  Earl  of  Bute, 
said  to  have  the  best  collection  of  pictures  in  England. 
McCarthy  has  eight  children,  all  handsome  and  most 

I      For  Penonnt  n>  itait.     Nobody  was  there. 

8 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

of  them  beautiful.  Having  staid  longer  than  was 
intended,  thought  it  was  too  late  to  visit  the  Earl  of 
Bute's,  so  rode  over  to  Hamel  Hemstead.  Called  on 
Meade,  brother-in-law  of  M'Carthy.  Returned  by 
Berkhamstead,  and  reached  home  at  4. 

10.  Called  by  appointment  on  Lord  Bridgwater. 
Left  for  his  perusal,  letter  of  J.  Bentham.  M'Carthy 
called  at  1 1 .  Rode  with  him  and  Bartlett.  Called 

on ,  amiable,  frank  old  man,  very  deaf;  uncle 

of  Mrs.  Gordon,  also  of  Whitbread.  Polite  and 
hospitable  overtures.  Tea  with  the  Bartletts.  Came 
home  at  9.  Retire  to  write  and  pack  up.  Wrote 
Lord  Bridgwater,  returning  the  book  and  paper,  and 
asking  for  Bentham's  letter. 

12.  Rose  at  5.  Got  in  stage  at  6,  intending  to 
take  post-chaise  from  Hamel  Hemstead  to  St.  Albans 
to  visit  Lord  Grimstone ;  but  no  chaise  was  to  be 
had,  so  came  into  town,  where  arrived  at  10  o'clock. 
To  Faleur ;  not  content  with  his  work.  Impertinence 
of  his  goldsmith,  whom  I  ordered  out  of  the  room 
for  obtruding  his  opinions.  F.  is  to  mend  his  work, 
and  I  am  to  call  to-morrow — thence  to  S.  Swartwout. 
It  was  fortunate  that  I  came  to  town,  for  yesterday  he 
received  orders  to  go  on  to  Liverpool  forthwith. 
Received  letter  from  D.  M.  Randolph  ;  very  melan- 
choly. Speaks  of  the  death  of  a  most  valued  friend 
in  America,  which  must  be  particularly  afflicting  to 
me.  Who  can  he  mean  ?  I  have  heard  of  no  death 
of  the  least  consequence  to  anybody.  To  Beck, 
tailor,  about  culotsl\  badly  made.  Bentham  has  writ- 

I     For  culottes.     Breeches. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

ten  that  he    will    be  in   town    on    Friday.      Mrs.   S. 

says  I  may  lodge .     Received  a  very  civil  letter 

from  Sir  Andrew  Grant,  enclosing  the  letter  of  his 
correspondent  near  Carlisle,  about  Mrs.  Miller's 
legacy,  which  turns  out  to  be  just  nothing.  Also  a 
very  pretty  letter  from  Miss  C.  Mallet,  as  well  in  her 
own  as  on  Madame  Prevost's  behalf,  inviting  me  to 
Weybridge.  At  4,  walked  to  Ridgeway's  ;  Madame 
had  procured  the  books  for  which  I  had  left  a 
memorandum. 

14.  Called    at    Queen's    Square     Place;     Mrs. 
Stoker  has  received  a  letter  from  Bentham  delaying 
his  return  until   Monday   i6th,  unless  I   shall  be  in 
town   and   wish  him  to   come  sooner.     It  is  now  12, 
and,  having  suffered  my  fire  to  go  out  two  hours  ago, 
I  am  going  to  bed1. 

15.  Rose  at  8.     After  saying  at    12   last  night 
that  I  was  going  to  bed,  I  made  a  good  fire,  got  wine, 
water,  and  sugar,  and  sat  up  till  ^  p.  2.     I  went  on 
Thursday  to   Robert  Shedden,  Gower  street,  on  the 
business  of  the  lovely  Anabella,  now,  I  hope,  Mrs.  A. 
B.  R.     Mr.  Shedden  was  not  at  home,  so  I  left  a  note, 
written  at  his   house,   of  which,  see   the    copy  made 
from  memory2. 

London,  November  13,  1808.  Sir  Mark  A. 
Gerrard  and  Captain  Percival  of  the  Marines  came  to 
breakfast.  The  former  was  fellow-passenger  with  me 


From  tbii  time  until  November  ijth,  there  are  no  entries  in  the  Journal. 

10 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

from  Halifax.  The  latter  was  introduced  to  me  by 
him  yesterday.  We  took  dinner  together  at  Story's 
Gate  Coffee-house.  After  breakfast  Sir  Mark  walked 
with  me  to  Miss  Beetham's  to  pay  for  a  picture — pro- 
file en  noir1.  Miss  B.  not  at  home.  Paid  her  sister, 

Mrs.  ,  21   shillings.     Belle  femme  et  d 'esprit1. 

Called  on  Dumont  at  5,  and  went  together  to 
dine  at  Achaud's.  T ' :  Sir  Samuel  Romilly  et  ux., 

formerly  Miss  ,   of  K.,  where  now  lives  her 

brother,  belle  et  Men  elevee*\  the  young  Baron 
D' Albert  and  his  sister,  wards  of  Constant.  Sir  Sam- 
uel has  an  amiable  and  intelligent  countenance.  Came 
off  at  10  o'clock. 

14.  Don  Castella  called  on  me  at  10.     He  had 
yesterday    seen    89*.      Three   letters    on     Xs   affairs. 
Went  to  Falieri's  ;  got  home,  sans  accident6.     William 
Graves  called  at  5.     The  Hopewell  does  not  sail  till 
the  1 6th.     No  vessel  yet  provided  to  take  the  mail  to 
New  York. 

15.  Wrote  Sir  Mark  to  call  on  me.     Note  from 
Captain  Percival  that  Lady  Hamilton  was  not  in  town. 
G.  called  with    Captain   Stewart,  an   amiable   young 
Scotchman.     Sir  Mark  has  discovered  les  personages' 'y 
and  will  present  A.  B.8  on  Friday.     Passed  the  day  in 
writing  to  the  United  States ;  at  home,  except  calling 
on  Reeves  at  4  about  passports.     Did  not  see  him. 


1  Profile  in  black,  i.  e.,  a  silhouette. 

2  A  fine-looking,  intellectual  woman. 

3  Fine  looking  and  well-bred. 

4  Some  individual  who  is  referred  to  by  number  rather  than  by   name.     Burr  left  with  his 
daughter  a  long  list  of  names  to  which  numbers  were  attached.     He  was  obliged  to  be  very 
guarded  in  his  communications. 

5  Used  several  times  in  the  Journal.    X  signifies  Burr's  secret  projects  with  regard  to  Mexico. 

6  Without  accident. 

7  The  persons. 

8  Aaron  Burr. 

II 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

K.  abroad.  Evening  with  Bentham ;  conversed  of 
tattooing,  and  how  to  be  made  useful  ;  of  infanticide ; 
of  crimes  against  Nature,  &c.,  &c. 

1 6.  Castella    called    at     n    and    sat    an    hour. 
Called    at   4  on   Dawe,   painter ;   pas  talents1.     At  5 
home,    safe.     Dinner    with    B.    and    K.     Tea    ditto. 
Passed  evening  with . 

17.  Did  nothing  till  2,  then  called  on  Reeves 
about  passports.      He  had   done  nothing,  would   do 
nothing,  and  was  just  going  out  of  town  for  four  days  ! 
Me  voila  prisonier  d'etaf!     At  J.  Wedgwood's,  328 
Oxford — elle  ne  veut  plus   me  parler1.     Strolled  and 
pens  ant  a  CT.  et  tous  mes  petit  s  plans'-.     Called  on   Ma- 
dame   Beetham ;    debars*.     Sat    half  an    hour    av    la 
mere6,  who  did  not   know  me,   but   received   me  with 
politeness.     On  Madame  Langworthy,  la  mere  de  la 
belle  Catherine7. 

1 8.  Castella  called  before  I  was  up.     Breakfasted 
with  me,  and  gave  me  many  interesting  details  respect- 
ing South  America  and  of  persons  there.     Called  on 
General   Picton,  Dr.  Blackburn,  and  on   Mr.  Duval ; 
waited  till  he  came  in  to  dinner,  and  dined  with  him. 
To  Madame  H.  Surry,  who  confessed  that  there  was 
no  such  person  as  the  Hon.  Madame  Bruce,  but  that 
the  whole  was  a  fable  imposed  on  her  by  Madame  G.} 
sister  of  Madame   C.,  and   so   on   me.      Madame  G. 
lives  in  handsome  style,  handsome  carriages,  and  many 


I  For  //  n'a  fas  de  talents.     He  has  no  talents. 

z  Here  1  am  a  state  prisoner. 

}  She  won't  speak  to  me  any  more. 

4  Thinking  of  Theodosia  and  all  my  little  plans. 

5  Out. 

6  For  avec  la  mire.     With  the  mother. 

7  The  mother  of  the  beautiful  Catherine. 

12 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

servants  !  Called  on  Madame  W.,  found  there  a  card 
from  General  Picton  and  a  note  from  Mr.  Duval,  with 
whom  I  am  to  dine  on  Sunday.  Tea  with  Bentham, 
Wrote  to  Hosack  in  reply  to  his  of  the  lyth,  and  a 
long  letter  to  Mrs.  Prevost.  Confab  an  hour  with  K. 
Read  Thierry1  an  hour  with  B. 

20.  To  Madame  W.;    abroad.     To    Madame 
H.  Surrey,  to  see  further  about  the  Hon.   Madame 
Bruce.     To  the  Salopian  Coffee-house,  to  meet    Sir 
Mark  by  appointment.      He  came  not,  but  met  there 
Captain  Percival.     Chez  nous1-  to  dress.    To  Duval's  to 
dine  at  5.     A  family  party.     Only  the  two  sons,  who 
are   amiable  and    pleasant.     The    counsellor,    Lewis, 
very  intelligent.     I  had  lent  for  a  few  days  the  picture 
of  Theodosia,  which    was    hung   up  there,  and  em- 
ployed more  of  my  thoughts  than  the  dinner  and  com- 
pany.    We  drank  her  health,  &c.     It  is  very  remark- 
able that  one  of  the  sons  looks  like  Phil,  and  the  other 
speaks  like  him.     You  will  be  struck  with  it  at  your 
first  interview.     Read  an  hour  more  of  Thierry,  and 
laughed  a  great  deal.     Made  out  a  law  opinion  re- 
quested by  Hosack,  which  took  me  two  hours,  being 
obliged  to  hunt  up  the  treaty  of  1794',  and  certain 
laws   of  the   State  of  New   York.      General    Picton 
called  on  me  yesterday  at  the  hour  I  was  cbez  lui. 

21.  At  War  Office  to  confer  with  General  Hope 
about  license,  &c.     Note :  I  had  met  General  Hope 


I     There  were  several  French  authors  of  this  name. 

z     At  our  house,  at  home. 

J  This  was  probably  the  treaty  with  regard  to  Indian  lands  in  Western  New  York,  signed  at 
Canandaigua,  N.Y.,  by  representatives  of  the  United  States  and  the  principal  chiefs  of  the  Seneca 
Nation  of  Indians. 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr  . 

at  dinner  at  Mr.  Cooke's.  He  declared  himself  to 
have  been  an  intimate  friend  of  the  late  Colonel  Wil- 
liamson1 ;  to  have  heard  him  speak  much  and  affec- 
tionately of  me  ;  to  have  greatly  desired  my  acquaint- 
ance. Gave  me  his  address,  &c.  To  Madame 
Onslow's,  about  two  and  a  half  miles,  New  road.  A  u 
retour  pres  5*,  called  again  at  the  War  Office  to  see 
General  H.,  having  been  told  by  the  porter  that  he 
would  certainly  be  in  at  that  hour.  His  carriage  wait- 
ing at  the  door.  Denied  !  Dinner  chez  nous  with  B. 
seu/\  Koe  came  in  and  we  read  Thierry.  B.  always 
goes  to  bed  at  n,  at  which  hour,  of  course,  I  come 
down  to  my  room.  Wrote  to  you,  and  for  you,  and 
about  you,  till  i. 

22.  Sir  Mark  came  in  at  12  to  apologize  for 
his  default  on  Sunday.  Walked  with  him  to  be  intro- 
duced to  Signora  -  ;  truly  a  very  lovely  woman  ; 
native  of  Corsica  ;  widow  of  a  British  officer  ;  peut-etre 
32  ;  parl.  Italian,  French,  and  English  ;  une  physiono- 
mie  tres  interressanfe4;  nous  y  rencontrames  four  autres 
dames  etrangeres*.  Walked  with  the  General  to 
Tottenham  Court  Road,  having  twice  egared6  on  the 
way.  We  parted.  To  Madame  Onslow's—  je  la 
trouvee  superbement  mise  et  av.  beaucoup  de  gout.  Jou- 
ames  Echec—je  gagnai.  Elle  mejoua  quelques  airs  assez 
j  aliment  sur  la  Harpe1.  Left  at  %  p.  4.  En  ret.s 

Pu'lterfey"1"  Williamson'  who  managed  the  lands  in  Western  New  York  owned  by  Sir  William 


^    On  my  return  at  nearly  5. 
J     Alone. 


t     WrhapS,  ?K  *  St!eakS  '!;alian'  Frcnch'  and  EnBlish  >  a  very  interesting  face. 
5     We  met  there  four  other  strange  ladies 

7  MoundVe^dr^lT11'    M""  heremkakeS  t"  English  verb  from  a  French  Perfcct  participle. 
-•^SffSS^S*:1*"11*1111'-     WeP'aX-l  chess.    I  won.    SL  played 

8  On  returning. 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

stopped  moment  chez  Ridgeway.     She  dare  not  under- 
take the of  Jovellianoz.     Chez  nous  at  5^. 

Din.  seul  av.  B.     K.  ent.  a  6,  read  Thierry  a  little1. 
Part  at  ii.     Wrote  till  2  to  United  States. 

23.  Castella  came  in  at  10  and  took  breakfast. 
Stayed  two  hours.  Had  received  a  very  interesting 
letter  from  his  friend  C.  in  Spain.  Had  seen  M.  de 
G.  He  is  to  call  again  on  Friday.  Many  things 
proposed  for  consideration.  Baron  N.  left  word  that 
he  had  called  at  the  particular  request  of  the  sister  of 
Sir  W.  Pulteney.  This  another  inquiry  about  Ameri- 
can laws.  Left  card  at  Baron  Norton's.  To  Falieri's. 
After  essaying  an  hour,  he  determined  to  abandon 
this,  his  second  work,  and  try  again.  Note :  I  have 
already  paid  him  £  30 ! !  Returning,  at  Madame 
Duval's,  to  thank  her  for  the  pretty  manner  in  which 
the  picture  was  sent  home.  She  said  rolling  injured 
it,  and  she  had  procured  a  very  handsome  portfolio, 
made  just  to  receive  it ;  an  attention  which  very  much 
pleased  me.  To  Achaud's  ;  saw  Madame  only  ;  gave 
instructions  about  the  letters  they  are  to  write  to 
Portsmouth,  Falmouth,  and  Liverpool,  to  secure  the 
reception  of  T1.  To  Reeves's,  who  prayed  me  to  dine; 
engaged  to  return  after  dinner.  Dinner  chez  nous  B. 
seul.  Koe  enters  at  6.  At  7  went  to  Reeves's.  Gave 
him  up  his  license.  Claimed  the  privilege  of  a  British 
subject  as  a  birthright,  which  I  had  a  right  to  resume, 
and  gave  him  notice  that  I  should  go  where  I  pleased. 
This  violent  measure,  however,  grew  out  of  his  sug- 

1  Dinner  alone  with  B.,  K.  entering  at  6,  read  Thierry  a  little. 

2  Theodosia,  his  daughter.     He  hoped  she  would  join  him  in  Europe. 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

gestions.  He  promised  to  report  the  case  to  Lord 
Hawkesbury,  who  would  probably  refer  it  to  the 
Attorney-General.  R.  is  to  communicate  to  me  the 
result.  Returned  to  tea.  Read  Thierry  an  hour  with 
B.  and  K.  Part  at  n.  Wrote  till  3.  On  returning 
home,  called  at  Turnevelli's,  the  statuary,  and  engaged 
to  give  him  a  sitting  to-morrow  at  1 1 . 

24.  Rose  at  9.  Wrote  to  Sir  Mark  not  to  call 
till  i.  Went  to  Turnevelli's.  He  would  have  a 
mask.  I  consented,  because  Bentham,  et  all.  had.  A 
very  unpleasant  ceremony.  To  Sir  Mark's ;  he  was 
sitting  down  to  breakfast.  Walked  together.  Called 
at  Herries  and  Farquar's,  St.  James's  street,  agents  of 
the  late  Colonel  Charles  Williamson,  to  see  for  letters 

from  T .     None  !  none  ! !     Returning  with  G., 

cbez  moi*  found  a  note  from  Baron  Norton,  requesting 
an  interview.  No  doubt  some  law  business.  Wrote 
him  to  call  at  12  to  morrow.  Sir  Mark  had  engaged 
me  to  call  on  Signora  B.  Just  as  we  were  going  out, 
casting  my  eyes  in  the  mirror  I  observed  a  great  pur- 
ple mark  on  my  nose.  Went  up  and  washed  it  and 
rubbed  it — all  to  no  purpose.  It  was  indelible.  That 
cursed  mask  business  has  occasioned  it.  I  believe  the 
fellow  used  quicklime  instead  of  plaister3  of  Paris,  for 
I  felt  a  very  unpleasant  degree  of  heat  during  the 
operation.  I  sent  Sir  Mark  off,  resolved  to  see  no 
Signora  till  the  proboscis  be  in  order.  Wrote  Ons.4, 
with  whom  I  had  engaged  to  pass  the  evening,  apolo- 


I  Latin  for  et  alii.     And  others. 

T.  At  home. 

)  So  in  the  MS. 

4  Madame  Onslow. 


16 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

gizing.  Sent  Tom  with  the  packet  for  T.,  to  be  put 
into  the  mail  for  Falmouth.  Also  a  letter  for  E.  in 
French.  Dinner  chez  nous  with  B.  seut,  Koe  being 
gone  to  Hamstead.  I  have  been  applying  a  dozen 
different  applications  to  the  nose,  which  have  only 
inflamed  it.  How  many  curses  have  I  heaped  on  that 
Italian  !  Read  to  B.  review  of  Leckie's  work,  which 
took  till  9.  K.  came  in,  and  we  finished  Thierry.  I 
shall  go  early  to  bed  (say  12),  in  hopes  to  sleep  off  my 
nasology. 

25.  Did  not  get  to  bed  till  i .  Rose  at  9.  Nose 
the  same.  At  n,  went  to  Turnevelli's  to  sit.  Re- 
lieved myself  by  cursing  him  for  the  nose  disaster. 
He  bore  it  like  one  conscious,  and  endeavored  to  con- 
sole me  by  stating  that  the  same  thing  happened  to 
Lord  Melville  and  to  several  others,  and  that  the 
appearance  passed  off  in  a  few  days.  Took  a  hack, 
not  liking  to  walk  and  exhibit  my  nose.  Stayed  two 
hours  with  Turnevelli.  He  will  make  a  most  hideous, 
frightful  thing,  but  much  like  the  original.  After 
leaving  Tur.,  being  unfit  for  any  reasonable  thing,  rode 
to  Madame  O.'s  to  apprise  her  that  if  she  were  dis- 
engaged I  would  call  after  dinner  and  play  chess.  It 
was  agreed.  Rode  to  F's  to  give  him  a  written  mem. 
pointing  out  the  defects  and  containing  precise  direc- 
tions. Paid  off"  the  coach,  3  shillings,  and  walked  to 
O.'s.  On  the  way  eat  cakes  and  custard,  i  shilling,  by 
way  of  dinner.  Got  to  O.'s  at  yz  p.  5.  Staid  till  ^ 
p.  9.  Play  two  games — each  won  alternately  and  paid. 
Chez  nous  a  dix*.  B.  was  writing.  Chez  moi,  where 

i     At  home  at  10. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

I  do  nothing  but  muse  for   two  hours.      Coucbe*  at   i . 

26.     Rose  at  ^  p.  9.     Went  to  Turnevelli's  at 

I 1  ;   nose    a    little    improved.     Sat    one    hour.     The 
thing  grows  more  hideous  at  every  touch.     Called  at 
the  house  which  C.  gave  me  as  his  residence.     The 
lady  said  he  did  not  lodge  there,  she  not  being  able  to 

accommodate  his  family — that  is,  his  niece 

"  Old    enough    to    be    my    grand-father  !  "        He/as  ! 
quand  reviendrai1-  ?     Roved  about  two  or  three  hours 
hunting  a  chess  table,  or  stand  with  chess  board  inlaid  ; 
did  not  find  one  to   please  me.     Home  at  ^  p.  3  to 
dress  for  dinner,  being  engaged  to  General  Picton  at 
the  Tower  Coffee-house.     Went  there,  the  nose  not- 
withstanding, at  y?.  p.  5.     T:   Captain  Charles  Smith  ; 
Baron  Montalbert,  who  had  served  in  St.  Domingo, 
and  said  De  Pestre  was  one  of  his  officers,  i.  e.,  under 
his  command.     Spoke  of  De  Pestre  handsomely,  but 
not  in  the  warm  terms  which  his  virtues,  his  courage, 

and    his    talents    merit.       Also   Dr.  ,  an  Irish 

gentleman    who   was    in    the    medical    department  of 
Trinidad  with  Picton,  and  his  particular  friend,  a  frank, 
intelligent    man.      General   Picton    was    governor    of 
Trinidad,  and  had  here  a  very  unpleasant  lawsuit,  on 
a  charge  of  applying  torture  to  a  mulatto  girl  to  extort 
a  confession  of  a  theft  to  which  there  was  a  reason  to 
believe    she    was    a    party.       The    ministry    did    not 
support  him. 

Friday  (25th)  again.      I   come  back  to  Friday  to 
say  that  Baron  Norton,  agreeably  to  my  appointment, 

i     Go  to  bui.     One  of  the  French  words  often  employed  in  the  Journal. 
•L     Alas  !  when  shall  I  return. 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

called  promptly  at  12.  His  errand  was  to  inquire 
about  the  estate  of  the  late  Lady  Buth1,  the  daughter 
of  Sir  W.  Pulteney,  and  particularly  as  to  the  laws  of 
descent  in  New  York.  He  is  a  judicial  baron  of 
Scotland,  whither  he  is  going  in  a  few  days.  Gave  me 
his  address,  and  offered  me  all  sorts  of  civilities. 
Madame  Norton,  his  wife,  is  a  niece  of  the  late  Sir 
W.  P.  Perhaps  a  sister.  No,  it  is  a  niece,  and  sister 
of  the  late  Lady  Buth. 

Saturday  (26th)  again.  Our  dinner  was  a  very 
good  one,  of  three  courses  and  four  kinds  of  wine. 
Being  in  very  bad  order  for  society,  I  left  them  before 
coffee  and  got  home  at  ^  p.  10.  Just  spoke  to  B. 
and  came  to  my  room.  After  ruminating  and  doing 
nothing  for  two  hours,  to  bed  about  i.  In  the 
course  of  the  day  called  on  Madame  W.  and  found 
her  in  tears,  with  a  gentleman  by  her  side,  consoling 
her  in  his  manner,  and  from  which  I  supposed  some- 
thing very  melancholy  had  happened.  He  went  off, 
and  on  inquiring  the  cause,  which  was — too  long  to 
be  written — I  found  it  so  ridiculous  that  I  scolded 
and  laughed  at  her  until  she  also  laughed. 

27.  Sent  Tom  to  Walbrooke  to  Madame  W., 
which  is  his  daily  tour.  At  12  called  at  Reeves's. 
He  showed  me  a  letter  from  Colonel  Jenkinson 
about  my  pretensions  as  a  British  subject.  Dampier 
has  given  opinion  that  I  may  resume  at  pleasure, 
the  Lord  Chancellor,  Eldon,  that  I  cannot,  and  am 
forever  an  alien.  The  Attorney-General  is  doubt- 

I     For  Lady  Bath,  for  whom  the  village  of  Bath  in  New  York  state  was  named. 

19 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

ing.  Lord  Hawkesbury  thinks  the  claim  monstrous. 
I  begin  to  think  the  policy  of  this  brusque  move- 
ment very  doubtful.  I  am  out  of  all  patience  at 
being  detained  in  town,  and  am  in  danger  of  weary- 
ing out  my  great  and  good  friend  Bentham.  From 
Reeves's  walked  on  to  visit  the  Donna ;  but, 
recollecting  my  nose,  walked  home.  Tom  had 
brought  a  letter  from  Graves,  who  is  a  most 
indefatigable  and  good  creature.  At  2  went  over 
Westminster  Bridge,  and  through  Southwark  to  the 
London  Bridge.  Then  round  by  the  Tower,  which 
I  had  never  before  seen.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  ditch, 
through  which  the  Thames  water  flows ;  but  it  would 
not  resist  an  enemy  provided  with  heavy  cannon  for 
twenty-four  hours.  It  may  do  very  well  to  keep  the 
lions  and  state  prisoners.  Called  on  Crockatt,  22 
Throgmorton  street ;  not  at  home.  Gamp  was 
tired  and  stopped  a  quarter  of  an  hour  to  eat  a  jelly 
and  cake,  8  pence.  Came  back  by  Blackfriars'  and 
Westminster  Bridges,  and  got  home  safe  at  %  p.  4, 
having  walked,  as  your  map  will  show  you,  at  least 
eight  miles.  Dinner  below.  B.  and  K.  went  up, 
and,  against  my  advice,  began  the  reading  of  the 
Preface  and  Eloge1  of  Thierry.  B.  got  asleep,  and  I, 
approaching  to  it,  came  down  to  bring  up  my  journal 
for  the  last  three  days,  lest  my  little  Min.z  scold. 

28.  Rose  at  ^  p.  9.  Nose  a  little  improved. 
Sent  Tom  to  Graves  for  the  laws  of  New  York,  and 
to  Miller,  bootmaker.  It  is  now  five  weeks  since  I 


I     Eulogy. 

i     Does  he  mean  Minerva  > 


20 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

put  into  Miller's  hands  some  of  Bellamy's  leather  for 
a  pair  of  boots.  One  pair  which  I  could  not  get  on, 
were  sent  and  were  returned.  Since  that  I  have  had 
daily  promises,  but  no  boots.  The  shoes,  which  cost 
17  shillings,  I  could  not  wear,  and  have  given  them 
away.  Thus  it  is  with  every  mechanic  I  have 
employed  in  London  except  my  tailor,  Beck,  who  lies 
a  little,  but  far  less  than  any  other.  Waited  till  i  for 
Tom's  return,  and  then  went  to  Turnevelli's.  Sat 
one  hour.  Worse  and  worse  !  This  was  meant  to 
please  you ;  but  if  I  had  suspected  that  I  had  become 

so    infernally    ugly,    I    would    sooner    have  . 

Roved  about  for  two  hours,  ruminating  on  this  sort 
of  non-existence  and  on  you.  E.  A.,  too,  often  accom- 
panies me.  Got  home  safe  at  y2  p.  4.  Mr.  Elkton 
Hammond,  merchant,  to  dine  with  us.  A  very  intel- 
ligent young  man  ;  admiring  the  works  of  B.  Has 
two  sisters  ;  one  studies  legislation,  the  other  chym- 
istry1.  The  chymist  said  to  be  pretty.  I  am  to  dine 
there  with  B.  on  Thursday,  when  you  shall  hear  more 
of  them.  This  is  the  first  time  of  Bentham's  dining 
out.  Mr.  Slade  sent  me  this  morning  a  dozen  Boston 
newspapers  down  to  i4th  October.  What  a  nation 
of  scoundrels  you  are,  if  one  is  to  believe  the 
gazettes  ! 

29.  Couche  at  3.  Rose  at  9.  I  don't  recollect 
to  have  told  you  that  on  my  return  from  Weybridge, 
I  had  determined  to  set  off  immediately  for  Scotland. 
Six  weeks  have  elapsed,  and  I  am  apparently  (what 

I     So  in  the  MS.     An  old  form  of  spelling. 

21 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

hellish  scrawls1;  I  must  try  to  do  better,  or  this 
precious  mem.  will  be  lost  to  you  and  to  the  world), 
apparently  no  nearer  departure  than  on  the  day  of  my 
return.  Castella  called  with  his  friend  P.  at  u.  P. 
is  a  pleasant,  amiable  young  man.  Each  a  niece  ! 
Pauv.  dta*  P.  has  offered  me  some  interesting  maps 
and  papers.  Had  determined  to  go  to-day  to  Wey- 
bridge ;  but  having  neglected  to  secure  a  passage,  the 

stage  was  full,  &c.     Went  out  at   i   to  hunt  a  chess- 
is  * 

table ;  bought  one,  which,  after  buying,  I  found  was 
not  the  thing.  Gave  it  up  on  paying  2  shillings. 
Home  at  2.  A  letter  from  Graves  by  Tom.  Amer- 
ican news  to  November  8th,  by  a  schooner  which  ran 
out  of  New  York,  the  embargo  notwithstanding. 
You  go  on  exactly  as  I  expected,  and  as  I  declared 
four  months  ago.  At  3  to  Donna.  A  very  interest- 
ing woman  ;  a  tall,  graceful  figure,  and  the  eyes  and 
hair  of  Italian  beauty.  No  rouge,  but  interesting 
physiognomy.  If  I  were  to  stay  in  town  should 
pass  many  hours  with  Donna.  To  Falieri's  at  5. 
Thence  to  Madame  O.'s,  having  taken,  by  way  of 
dinner,  a  jelly  and  biscuit  on  the  way,  7  pence. 
Played  two  games  of  chess,  and  won  both.  Prompt 
payment — alarm — all  ends  well.  Got  home  at  ^  p. 
8.  Read  with  Bentham  an  hour  in  Semple's  "Trav- 
els in  Spain." 

30.  It  is  in  the  evening  only  that  I  write  to  you 
in  this  manner.  After  writing  what  you  see  of  yes- 
terday, Koe  came  into  my  room  about  12,  and 

1  The  description  is  perfect  ! — Editor. 

2  For  fauvri  diabli.     Poor  devil. 


22 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

challenged  me  at  chess.  We  played  till  4  this  morn- 
ing. I  had  ordered  Anna  to  wake  me  at  7.  She 
called  at  the  hour.  I  answered  and  slept  on  till  10. 
Went  out  at  12.  To  Vickery,  the  celebrated  •perru- 
kier\  Covent  Garden,  to  get  a  peruke  for  my  country 
tour.  Dressing  my  head  in  any  fashion  takes  some 
time,  and  cannot  be  done  on  a  journey  ;  so  I  have 
taken  again  to  the  wig.  Called  at  Madame  W.'s  on 
my  return.  She  says  several  have  called  without 
leaving  their  names,  perhaps  some  one  with  letters 
from  you  !  The  sight  of  your  handwriting  would 
make  a  jubilee  in  my  heart.  Found  there  a  letter 
from  Madame  Prevost,  and  a  very  pretty  one  from 
Madame  Godwin.  Came  home,  answered  Mrs.  G.'s. 
Wrote  also  to  Guillemard,  from  whom  a  second  note 
came  to-day.  Found  waiting  for  me  in  my  room 
Captain  C.  Smith,  whose  civilities  are  unremitted,  and 
of  the  most  friendly  kind.  Went  out  again  at  3. 
To  a  dozen  cabinet-makers  for  a  chess  table.  In  vain ; 
there  is  no  such  thing.  Got  her,  however,  a  Dupre 
seal,  7  shillings  6  pence.  To  Falieri's.  He  has  tried 
again,  and  I  think  has  now  succeeded.  He  had 
adopted  an  improvement  on  my  suggestion,  which  he 
now  values  very  much ;  but  I  had  great  trouble  to 
make  him  do  so.  To  Madame  O.'s  at  */£  p.  5, 
having  on  the  way  taken  a  custard,  a  tart,  and  a  cake 
for  dinner,  i  and  2  pence.  Pence  are  of  some  value 
here,  but  guineas  of  none.  Took  tea  and  played 
chess  with  O.  and  settled  the  winnings.  Each  score  a 

I     For  ferruquiir.     Peruke-maker. 

23 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

game.  Got  home  at  9.  Found  that  D.  M.1  had 
called.  What  can  have  brought  him  ?  I  am,  how- 
ever, most  heartily  glad  he  has  come.  I  was  just 
going  to  write  him  to  come.  He  has  been  for  some 
time  at  Bath.  Read  with  B.  and  K.  an  hour  in 
Semple.  Wrote  Madame  Prevost  and  am  now  going 
to  bed,  ^2  P-  i-  The  nose  improves  apace;  hope  it 
will  be  exhibitable  to-morrow,  and  be  fit  for  inspection 
of  the  legislatrix  and  the  chymistress.  Bon  soir2"! 

London,  December  i,  1808.  Up  at  7.  Break- 
fast at  8.  Some  hopes  of  reform.  Wrote  several 
notes.  At  n  came  in  D.  M.  R.  Poetry!  A  little 
cracked,  I  fear.  Perhaps  the  champignons  he  ate  at 
Cheltenham  of  which  //  manquoit  de  mourir* — no  doubt 
a  little  cracked.  Soir4  at  2  to  Turnevelli's ;  abroad. 
Glad  of  it,  for  I  would  give  5  guineas  that  the  thing 
were  demolished !  To  twenty  cabinet-makers  for 

chess  table.     None.     To  for  seal  for  O.     To 

Madame  W .     Chez  moi  at  3.     B.,  K.,  and  self 

began  our  march  at  4.  The  distance  3  miles. 
Arrive  at  5.  T:  Elton  H.;  two  souersy  assez  bien. 

Mais  ne  disent  mot.     Le  jeune  frere bon  franc 

physion.      Un  ,  pas  bomme.      Un  tres  jeun  horn. 

Clark  probablement  un  clerk.  Din.  simpl.  assez  bon.  A 
8  sor.  pour  rendezvous  de  Madame  G.  La  vu  seule. 
Un  develupment  tres  franc.  Elle  a  un  excellent  esprit. 
Ses  projects  sur  U.  S.  Promts  de  don.  un  rendez.  chez 
moi  a  mon  retour  a  Weybridge.  Retour  a  H.  a  9. 


1  D.  M.  Randolph. 

2  Good  evening. 

J  He  almost  died. 

4  Kvening,  or  afternoon. 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

Music par  Gam.     La,  la.     Chez  nous  at  n1. 

Chess  with  K.  till  2. 

2.  Rose  at  9.  Breakfast  at  10.  D.  M.  R.  at  1 1. 
Not  quite  so  mad  as  yesterday,  yet  a  little  out.  Con- 
sents to  lay  by  the  poem  for  some  months.  A  very 
civil  note  from  Guillemard,  to  which  replied.  Wrote 
several  other  notes.  Sent  trunks  to  get  better  locks. 
So  much  plague  as  I  had  to  get  trunks,  and  the  locks 
are  naught.  Sor*  at  ^  p.  2.  To  Turnevelli's,  who  had 
been  to  hunt  me.  Sat  only  twenty  minutes.  He  is 
determined  to  go  through  with  it ;  tries  to  encourage 
me ;  finds  it  wonderfully  like  Voltaire ;  but  all  won't 
do.  It  is  a  horrid  piece  of  deformity.  To  Falieri ; 
not  ready.  To  Miss  Mallet.  The  most  rational 
being  I  have  seen.  Staid  a  whole  hour,  and  greatly 
pleased  with  her.  Good  breeding  and  social  talents  in 
a  degree  very  rare.  Why  don't  I  go  there  oftener  ? 
Because  I  do  nothing  that  I  wish  or  intend.  At  */£ 
p.  5  to  Colonel  Charles  Smith,  14  Beaumont  street. 
T:  Colonel  Kearney ;  Von  Sent,  a  respectable,  quiet 
subject,  living  thirty  miles  from  London ;  Dr.  Flana- 
gan, who  was  in  Trinidad  with  Picton,  whom  he 
represents  to  be  a  man  of  rigid  integrity  and  great 
disinterestedness.  Took  no  fees  or  perquisites  while 
governor.  Such  a  man  will  not  suit,  and  hence  out  of 
favour.  Dr.  F.  is  a  sprightly,  sensible,  frank,  well- 


1  Two  sisters,  pretty  good.     But  they  don't  say  a  word.     The  young  brother a  good, 

open  countenance.     A ,  not  a  man.     A  very  young  man  Clark,  probably  a  clerk.     Dinner 

simple,  pretty  good.     At  8  go  out  to  Madame  G.  s  rendezvous.     Saw  her  alone.     A  very  frank 
explanation.     She  has  an  excellent  mind.     Her  schemes  as  to  U.  S.     Her  promise  to  give  a  ren- 
dezvous at  my  house  on  my  return  to  Weybridge.     Return  to  H.  at  9.     Music by  Gamp. 

La,  la.     At  home  at  II.     [In  this  case  La,  la,  might  be  French,  La,  la.     There  now  !] 

2  For  tors.     I  go  out.     Used  all  through  the  Journal. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

informed  man.  Tendered  many  civilities.  An  abomi- 
nable tale  was  told  of  the  P.  of  W of  the 

annuity  of  ^200  to ,  the    famous  groom  and 

jockey  ;  General ,  who  has  gone  to  command 

at  Lisbon.  His  eulogy — Shaving  the  Seapoys — when 
secretary  in  Ireland.  General  Picton  has  two  brothers 
in  Wales.  One  a  private  gentleman,  the  other  a 
clergyman.  Three  brothers,  Pictons.  Chez  nous  at 
yz  p.  10.  Passed  one-half  hour  with  B.  and  K.  Pre- 
pare for  journey.  Couche  at  ^  p.  2. 

3.  Had  very  carefully  put  Mr.  Achaud's  letter, 
my  handkerchiefs,  and  other  small  articles  in  the 
pockets  of  the  coat  I  intended  to  wear.  Anna  had 
•put  my  room  in  order  before  I  got  down.  After  being 
two  hours  on  the  way,  missed  my  handkerchiefs,  and, 
upon  quiet  examination,  discovered  that  I  had  taken 
the  wrong  coat.  What  a  curse  to  have  two  coats  at  a 
time  !  But  the  letter ;  the  letter  of  Madame  A.  to 
Madame  P.  !  Met  at  Brentford  the  coach  going  to 
town.  Engaged  the  driver  for  half  a  crown  to  go  to 

o    c?  O 

Bentham's  for  the  letter.  Wrote  K.  to  give  him  it. 
Breakfast  at  Brentford,  i  shilling  6  pence.  A  sensible 
elderly  lady  in  the  coach,  going  to  Madame  Merry's, 
Chelsea.  This  cannot  be  our  Madame  Merry.  Ar- 
rived at  Wey bridge  at  ^  p.  i,  having  been  five  and  a 
quarter  hours  on  the  road.  Distance  twenty-one 
miles.  This  is  the  usual  rate  of  stage-coaching  in  this 
country,  except  the  mail.  At  Madame  Prevost's,  her 
son,  Lieutenant-Colonel  William  Prevost,  and  wife  ;  an 
Irish  lady,  Miss  Hamilton.  Her  father  now  at , 

26 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

in  Somerset,  one  brother,  merchant  in  Liverpool,  one, 
very  young,  merchant  at  Quebec,  making  a  fortune 
out  of  the  embargo.  She  offered  a  letter  for  you  to 
her  brother  in  Liverpool,  in  case  you  should  land 
there.  Dinner  at  5  enfamille1.  Cards  au  soir* — perd.* 
3  shilling  6  pence.  In  the  forenoon  walked  with 
Madame  Prevost.  Met  several  Gunns,  but  not 
Eliza.  After  returning,  called  at  Gunn's.  He  abroad. 
Madame  and  the  five  daughters  cbez  e!!e4.  All  very 
accomplished.  All  talents.  The  mother  and  Eliza 
superior.  Came  home  (to  the  tavern)  at  yz  p.  10.  I 
refused  a  bed  at  Madame's,  being  more  at  my  ease  to 
smoke  my  segar  and  tell  little  T.  what  I  have  been 
about.  But  I  don't  tell  yz  nor  ^.  These  are  only 
notes  to  write  from.  Afraid  to  write  out. 

4.  Rose  at  8.  Breakfast  at  Madame  P.'s. 
Walked  through  Oatland's  Park  to  Walton,  to  see  Mr. 
O'Callahan.  Stopped  at  the  outer  Park  gate,  and  got 
a  passage  after  much  difficulty.  Mr.  and  M'lle  O'C. 
abroad.  M'lle  cbez  elle  et  comme  me  faroit  un  peu  s.5 
Urged  to  dine.  Mr.  Gunn  came  in  ;  going  out,  met 
Mr.  O'C.,  who,  with  Gunn,  walked  with  me  over  the 
commons,  not  choosing  to  try  the  Park  on  my  return. 
Pointed  out  to  me  on  an  eminence,  about  one  mile 
distant,  a  place  formerly  the  residence  of  Edward  III., 
and  afterward  of  Cardinal  Wolsey,  now  the  property 
of  a  broker,  who  has  taken  down  the  ancient  struc- 


I  In  or  with  the  family  ;  informally,  as  one  of  them. 

1  In  the  evening. 

3  For  ftrdis,  or  perdu.     Lost. 

4  At  her  house. 

5  At  her  house,  and  as  it  seems  to  me,  a  little  s 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

tures,  and  put  up  a  modern  house  in  very  bad  taste. 
Near  Weybridge  met  Madame  Gunn  and  five 
daughters,  with  whom  walked  in  the  Park,  and  went 
to  see  the  congaroos1  and  other  beasts.  Called  on 
Mr.  Bissett,  once  a  very  respectable  clergyman  at 
New  York,  now  corrector  of  the  press  to  a  printing- 
office  in  Weybridge.  He  went  home  with  me  and 
staid  till  5.  Din.  chez1  Madame  Prevost.  T:  Colonel 

P.  et  ux.;  Captain et  ux.     Came  home  at  9. 

Mr.  Gunn  sent  me  a  letter  for  his  steward  in  Ireland. 
Madame  Colonel  P.  gave  letter  to  her  brother  at 
Liverpool,  to  whom  she  also  wrote  about  T.  The 
lost  letter  from  Madame  Achaud  to  Madame  P.  came 
by  this  day's  mail,  but  charged  with  8  pence  postage. 
5.  Got  in  stage  at  ^  p.  7.  Breakfast  at  Brent- 
ford. Arrived  at  ^  p.  1 1.  Thus  you  see  the  rate  of 
traveling.  Stage  fare  going  and  coming,  14  shillings. 
To  the  coachman  2  shillings  ;  bill  at  Weybridge  1 1 
shillings  6  pence ;  maid  2  shillings  6  pence ;  two 
breakfasts  3  shillings  ;  an  extra  2  shillings  and  6  pence 
to  the  driver,  who  took  my  letter  to  Bentham.  Total, 
35  shillings  and  6  pence,  though  I  lived  at  Madame 
P.'s.  Took  coach  at  Charing  Cross,  and  went  to 
Madame  W.'s.  My  little  villain,  Tom,  had  been 
without  orders  and  taken  up  my  letters.  Home  at  i. 
Found  letter  from  Guillemard,  transmitting  the  laws 
of  N.  Y.,  and  an  invitation  to  dine  to-morrow,  which 
was  obliged  to  refuse.  Sors  at  2.  To  the  Tower 


I     So  in  the  MS. 

1     For  diner  (hex..     Dinner  at  the  house  of. 


28 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

Coffee-house,  Bond  street,  to  see  Dr.  Flanagan. 
Denied  that  he  lived  there,  though  he  gave  it  to  me  as 
his  address.  To  Miss  Mallet,  with  Madame  Prevost's 
letter ;  abroad.  To  Major-General  Picton's,  Ed- 
wards street ;  abroad.  To  Falieri's,  where  staid  an 
hour.  Still  not  done.  Returning,  called  at  Madame 
Achaud's;  nobody  at  home.  Quod  mirum* !  Byway 
of  dinner,  three  oysters,  jelly,  and  cake,  10  pence. 
Called  at  Godwin's  at  y%  p.  5,  knowing  that  he  dines 
at  4.  Found  them  at  tea,  and  joined — the  three 
daughters  and  little  son.  Agreed  with  Madame  for 
rendezvous  to-morrow  at  1 1  at  Mr.  Lamb's1  rooms. 
He  is  a  writer,  and  lives  with  a  maiden  sister,  also 
literaire*,  in  a  fourth  story.  Forgot — on  my  way  from 
Achaud's,  called  on  D.  M.  R.,  and  walked  half  an 
hour  with  him.  Mad  again  on  poetry  and  politics. 
Chez  nous  ^  p.  8.  Read  an  hour  in  the  "  Edinburgh 
Review  "  of  the  "  Life  of  Washington."  Descend  at 
YZ  p.  10.  Spent  two  hours  in  hunting  for  some 
bank  bills,  my  whole  stock,  and  finally  gave  them  up 
as  lost.  Found  them  when  and  where  least  expected. 
Couch4'  at  i . 

6.  Rose  at  */£  p-  9.  Sor.  at  ^  before  1 1  to 
meet  Madame  G.  Met  at  the  door  of  the  place. 
Walked  about  the  Temple,  which  comprises  a  large, 
irregular  square ;  several  small  courts  and  alleys ; 
many  handsome  buildings ;  two  gardens  on  the  banks 
of  the  Thames,  very  pretty.  Madame  had  found  a 


1  Latin.     How  remarkable  ! 

2  Charles  Lamb. 
}  Literary. 

4  For  couche. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

more  convenient  place  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Norris, 
treasurer  of  something.  A  handsome  parlour.  Passed 
an  hour  and  a  half  talking  over  the  affairs  of  G.,  &c. 
Walked  with  her  to  Holborn,  and  then  went  to 
Turnevelli's,  where  sat  an  hour.  Home  at  4.  Caught 
in  the  rain,  having  yesterday  left  my  umbrella  at 
Brentford — no  doubt  lost.  Dinner,  B.  and  K.  Read 
out  the  review  of  the  "  Life  of  Washington "  by 
Marshall  and  Ramsay.  The  review  is  full  as  stupid, 
and  as  illy1  written,  as  either  of  the  books.  Came 
down  to  bring  up  your  journal  since  Saturday,  the  yth, 
lest  such  important  incidents  should  not  be  recorded. 
I  know  you  will  rave  like  a  little  Juno  if  you  are  not 
told  what  I  do,  and  where  I  go  every  day.  I  could 
write  six  or  eight  very  amusing  pages  of  the  incidents 
of  the  last  three  days,  but  they  must  be  said  and  not 
written.  Sir  M.  G.  called  on  me  just  as  I  got  home 
to-day,  and  gave  me  his  address  at  his  new  lodgings. 
Omitted  :  Yesterday  called  at  O.'s  ;  she  was  engaged. 
Have  not  seen  Donna,  but  hear  that  she  is  very  ill. 
(My  journal  is  four  days  in  arrear.  Half  will  be  for- 
gotten. This  is  Saturday  evening.  I  will  try  to 
recollect.) 

7.  Rose  at  ten.  Such  is  the  mode  in  London. 
Sor.  at  i.  Going  up  Haymarket,  met  Madame  O., 
and  walked  with  her  half  an  hour.  Went  to  the 
stage-house  in  Piccadilly  to  inquire  for  my  umbrella, 
but  with  little  hope.  It  was  there,  brought  by  the 
coachman ;  i  shilling  6  pence.  How  very  honest 

I     So  in  the  MS. 

30 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

people  are  here,  and  yet  I  am  cheated  most  impu- 
dently every  hour !  Met  Sir  Mark,  and  walked  an 
hour  with  him.  To  Madame  Duval.  To  Falieri's. 
To  Turnevelli's ;  not  at  home ;  shall  never  be  done 
with  that  fellow,  and  yet  he  tries  his  best ;  but  the 
strange  irregularities  and  deformities  of  the  face  defy 
all  art.  To  O.'s  for  ten  minutes,  to  say  I  would  come 

to-morrow.     To  Sir  M.  Gerrard's  to  dine  at . 

Plagued  to  find  the  house.  Like  a  true  Irishman,  he 
had  mistaken  his  address.  The  same  happened  with 

Dr.  Flanagan  on   Monday.     Monsieur  ,  the 

host  of  Sir  Mark,  has  seen  better  days.  He  is  now 
one  of  the  pensioners  of  this  government.  Safemme, 
a  pretty,  amiable  Angloisely  who  speaks  French  per- 
fectly. Captain came  in.  Left  Sir  G.  at  8, 

and  went  by  way  of  Gray's  Inn  Lane  to  Godwin's, 
where  stayed  till  ^  p.  10,  and  then  at  a  very  rapid 
rate  home — 26  minutes  by  the  watch,  being  about 
three  miles.  Two  shillings  to  beggar  girls — pure 
benevolence.  Just  said  bon  soir  to  B.,  and  came  to 
my  room.  Chess  with  K.  till  i.  Sat  up  two  hours 
after,  packing  up.  Shall  I  ever  get  out  of  town  to 
make  this  long-projected  tour?  Yes,  on  Saturday 
evening,  pos.2 

8.  Rose  at  10.  Wrote  to  Reeves;  to  General 
Hope;  to  Crockatt;  to  Dr.  Flanagan.  Sor.  at  i. 
Left  Reeves's  letter  at  his  house,  he  not  being  at  home. 
Left  Dr.  F.'s  at  the  Tower  Coffee-house.  But  before 
going  out,  Graves  came  in  to  tell  me  that  the  mail  for 

i     His  wife,  a  pretty,  amiable  English  lady. 
•L    For  positively  or  possibly. 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

the  packet  would  close  at  5  P.  M.  this  day ;  yet 
instead  of  sitting  down  to  write  to  you,  you  see  what 
I  did.  From  the  Tower  Coffee-house  to  Madame 
Duval's.  Called  at  Beetham's  and  got  my  picture  of 
Catherine  L.  To  Reeves's  ;  he  was  reading  my  letter, 
and  begged  me  to  dine,  being  then  ^  p.  4.  I  told 
him  my  distress  about  the  packet.  He  sent  a  messen- 
ger to  inquire.  The  mail  would  close  at  5,  but  sailing 
orders  would  not  go  till  to-morrow's  mail,  and  he  is 
to  get  your  letter  along  with  those  of  government. 
So  staid  to  dine.  Left  them  at  7,  under  pretence  of 
my  great  impatience  to  write,  and  went  off  three  miles 
to  O.'s,  where  I  staid  till  10.  Two  games  of  chess, 
and  was  beaten  both  games,  though  I  tried  my  best. 
Got  home  at  %  after  n.  Note:  O.  has  found  me 
out.  Just  spoke  to  B.  and  immediately  came  down  to 
write.  Couche  at  3. 

9.  Rose  at  8  ;  breakfast  at  9.  Castella  came 
and  took  breakfast  with  me.  Sent  him  off,  being 
busy,  and  engaged  to  walk  with  him  at  8.  To  Put- 
ney 5  miles  to  see  Judge  et  ux.  Had  omitted 

to  send  yesterday  to  Mrs.  W.  Tom  brought  me  the 
note  of  General  Hope.  Enclosed  your  letter  and  E. 

A.'s  to  Reeves — tried  to  write  M.  L.  D.  for  G . 

Sor.  at  2.  To  Turnevelli's.  To  Horse  Guards  to 
meet  General  Hope  by  appointment.  Had  an  hour's 
confab  and  received  an  explanation.  To  testify  his 
intimacy  with  Colonel  Williamson,  he  showed  me  the 
very  chiffre1  which  I  had  given  Williamson.  Many 

I     Cipher,  figure. 

32 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

courtesies  and  two  letters  for  Scotland.  Chez  nous  ^ 
p.  4.  Dinner — Bentham  and  Koe.  Post  prandium1, 
went  to  see  Godwin.  Staid  till  9.  Took  tea.  The 
children  all  very  glad  to  see  Gamp.  Home  at  10. 
Talked  an  hour  with  B.  and  K.  To  bed  at  12. 

10.  Rose  at  8.  Breakfast  at  9.  Just  as  I  had 
done,  Castella  came  in.  Gave  him  breakfast,  and  at 
y2  p.  10  began  our  march.  Walked  to  Putney  in  i 
h.  10  m.  Saw  Madame  Th.  only.  He  sick  and 
child  at  school.  Came  off  in  wherry  at  12,  and  got 
to  Weybridge  in  50  minutes ;  2  shillings  6  pence. 
The  distance  by  water  at  least  six  miles.  But  Gamp 
has  walked  a  great  deal  and  is  tired — now  2  o'clock. 
He  will  finish  in  the  morning.  When  shall  I  begin 
my  journey  ?  Alas  !  alas  ! 

Saturday,  roth,  continued.  On  the  way  to  Put- 
ney, we  pass  through  the  small  towns  of  Chelsea, 
Battersea,  and  Fulham.  At  the  last,  cross  a  bridge 
over  the  Thames.  The  return  by  water  is  very  beau- 
tiful. To  Turnevelli's  at  2.  I  wish  I  had  never 
begun  with  him.  To  Falieri's.  He  has  succeeded 
very  well,  except  the  colour.  Home  at  5.  Din.  B. 
seuL  K  dines  abroad.  The  whole  evening  with  K., 
seul.  At  1 1  came  down  to  my  room.  Read  news- 
paper one  hour.  The  poor  Dons  come  out  as  I 
told  you.  Whether  the  British  will  get  safe  off  is 
now  the  question.  Just  discovered  that  the  under 
sheet  of  the  last  page  is  bottom  upwards,  which  would 
have  puzzled  your  luminous  head  for  an  hour  if  I 


I     Latin.     After  breakfast. 

33 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

had  not  told  you.     Journalized  for  an  hour  and  went 
to  bed  at  2. 

n,  Sunday.  Slept  like  a  log  till  10,  and  then 
was  called.  The  atmosphere  is  certainly  narcotic. 
You  see  all  along  how  enormously  I  have  slept. 
Wrote  Meeker  to  call.  He  came  at  12.  Captain 
Percival  also  an  hour.  Went  to  see  the  Donna;  she 
had  gone  to  mass.  Called  at  Bridgwater's  and 
Grimstone's,  Grosvenor  square.  Neither  of  them  in 
town,  but  Grimstone  expected.  Nevertheless  I  will 
go  to  St.  Albans  to-morrow  to  see  him.  His  daugh- 
ters, two,  are  very  sensible,  amiable  women.  Went 
by  Oxford  street  to  Holborn,  and  took  coach  to 
Smithfield  to  see  for  a  passage  to  St.  Albans. 
Engaged  a  seat,  and  also  a  bed  at  the  Angel  Inn;  to 
go  at  4  to-morrow  morning.  Paid  i  shilling  earnest. 
To  Godwin's,  where  discharged  coach;  2  shillings. 
Half  an  hour  with  M.  J.  G.;  then  walked  home  by 
way  of  Covent  Garden  to  avoid  the  Strand,  which  is 
forever  so  crowded  and  so  dirty  that  there's  no  getting 
on  with  comfort.  Home  at  5.  Dinner — B.  and  K. 
Immediately  after  dinner  to  work  packing  up.  Wrote 
long  letter  to  M.  L.  D.  about  Madame  G.'s  business. 
At  y2  p.  10  all  ready.  Took  leave  of  B.,  and  sent 
for  hack  to  transport  me  and  my  trunk,  being,  as  you 
will  see  by  your  map,  three  good  miles.  No  coach 
was  to  be  had.  Went  myself — no  coach;  so  here  is 
Gamp,  at  2  in  the  morning,  at  Queen's  Square  Place, 
writing  nonsense  to  T.  B.  A.1,  having  let  all  his  fire 

I     His  daughter. 

34 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

go  out  and  the  last  candle  just  gone.  Played  chess 
an  hour  with  K.  I  have  ordered  Ann  to  wake  me  at 
7.  For  what  ?  When  shall  I  get  off? 

12.  Ann  did  call  me  at  7,  but  I  slept,  neverthe- 
less, a  PAnglois*,  till  ^  p.  9.  Sent  off  Tom  with 
notes  written  last  night,  but  dated  this  morning,  to 
M.  J.  G.  and  Mr.  Graves,  enclosing  to  him  my  letter 
to  Davis.  Tom  is  to  bring  word  of  the  hour  of  the 
stage  going  to  Gaddesden,  being  determined  to  go 
somewhere  to-day.  Tom  did  not  return  till  i,  and 
brought  word  that  the  stage  would  go  at  ^  p.  i ;  so 
got  coach  and  went  off  at  a  great  rate.  The  stage 
had  been  gone  10  m.  before  I  got  there,  ^uoifaire1? 
Resolved  not  to  go  back  to  Q.  S.  PJ.  I  thought  I 
would  go  and  hunt  for  some  coach  going  any  hour 
to-day  or  night ;  but  having  no  place  to  put  my  trunk, 
was  obliged  to  keep  the  coach.  After  running  about 
for  two  hours  and  spending  9  shillings  in  coach  hire, 
I  discovered,  what  at  any  stage-house  they  might 
have  told  me,  that  no  coach  would  go  to  Gaddesden 
till  i  P.  M.  to-morrow.  Persisting  in  not  going  to 
Q.  S.  P.,  I  e'en  sat  down  with  my  trunk  at  the  stage 
tavern  in  Oxford  street,  corner  of  Swallow.  After 
depositing  my  trunk  and  ordering  a  fire  in  my  room, 
sallied  forth  once  more  to  Faleur's — then  to  see 
Graves,  10  Walgrove.  Took  coffee  with  Graves,  a 
very  respectable  and  intelligent  young  man,  and 
extremely  obliging.  He  makes  inquiries,  and  does 


I     For  3  r  anglaise.     After  the  English  manner. 

z     What  was  to  be  done  ! 

}     Queen's  Square  Place,  where  Bentham  resided. 


35 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

me  many  kind  offices,  which  save  me  a  deal  of  trouble. 
He  is,  I  believe,  a  broker.  The  mother  was  there  ;  a 
very  comely,  decent  Quakeress.  The  mother  of  eight 
or  ten  grown  children.  It  is  wonderful  how  the 
women  wear  in  this  country.  In  all  my  stage  ram- 
bling to-day,  I  could  not  discover  how  to  get  to  York. 
Graves  has  undertaken  for  me.  Thursday  is  the  day 
fixed  for  my  grand  tour  to  Scotland,  Ireland,  Wales, 
&c.  On  my  way  home  took  musk  of  a  very  indiffer- 
ent quality,  10  shillings  i  pence.  Got  home  to  the 
tavern  at  8,  and  ordered  coffee  again,  having  only 
dined  on  a  jelly,  cake  and  tart,  10  pence.  Great 
debate  whether  I  would  have  it  in  my  room  or  must 
descend  to  the  coffee  room.  Note  :  I  am  in  the  third 
story,  what  is  here  called  second  floor.  Finally  the 
lady  relaxed,  and  I  had  my  coffee  chez  moi.  Tobacco 
interdicted  ;  but  I  ventured  to  smoke  my  pipe  up 
chimney,  with  a  window  open.  No  segar  to  be  had. 
Tobacco  very  bad,  3*^  p.  an  ounce.  Something  more 
than  a  dollar  a  pound.  The  Virginians  would,  at 
this  time,  be  glad  to  get  10  cents  per  pound  for 
tobacco  of  much  better  quality.  A  bed  with  very 
dirty  sheets,  to  which  I  objected ;  but  the  maid 
assured  me,  upon  her  honour,  that  they  were  very 
clean,  and  that  she  put  them  on  herself.  So  I  am 
bound  to  think  them  clean ;  but  shall,  nevertheless, 
not  undress.  It  is  quite  impracticable  to  get  a  good 
fire  in  any  tavern.  At  10  took  bread  and  cheese  and 
cider,  by  way  of  supper.  Wrote  all  this,  and  after 
writing  two  letters  to  my  Gaddesden  friends,  having  a 

36 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

presentiment  that  I  shall  not  get  there,  shall  coucher1. 
Since  beginning  the  preceding  page,  the  servants  have 
been  three  different  times  in  my  room  to  inquire 
whether  they  should  put  out  my  candles.  To  the 
first  message  I  replied  very  distinctly  that  I  always 
put  out  my  own  candles,  and  desired  that  I  might  not 
be  again  interrupted.  This  did  not  defend  me  against 
the  two  subsequent  intrusions.  The  object  of  this 
affected  civility  is  to  save  one  inch  of  tallow.  This 
very  rigid  calculation  is  universal. 

13.  Rose  at  9.  At  the  tavern.  No  soap. 
Asked  for  a  piece  to  wash  hands.  The  maid  said 
soap  was  so  dear  that  she  could  not  give  it  without 
leave,  but  she  would  go  and  ask  her  mistress,  which  I 
forbid,  but  gave  her  2  shillings  to  go  and  buy  me  a 
piece.  She  "  would  tell  the  footman  " — every  one  in 
their  department !  A  cake  of  soap  was  brought  for 
15  pence,  which  will  probably  last  me  three  months, 
which  is  at  the  rate  of  i  penny  ^  a  week,  and  at 
this  rate,  if  there  should  be  twelve  lodgers  in  the  house, 
the  value  of  the  soap  used  by  the  whole  would  be  i 
shilling  3  pence  per  week  and  about  3  guineas  per 
annum  !  Had  my  breakfast  in  my  room  and  at  1 1 
sor.  To  Vickery's  to  get  the  wig  made  more  scratch- 
like  and  less  dressy.  To  cabinet-maker's  about  that 
same  chess-board.  Returned  to  the  tavern  at  i,  and 
found  stage  at  the  door.  One  shilling  to  the  waiter, 
and  bid  him  bring  down  my  trunk  and  put  it  in  the 
stage.  He  brought  it  down,  but  at  the  door  handed 

I     Shall  go  to  bed.     Here  coucher  is  an  infinitive. 

37 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

it  to  the  porter,  who  handed  it  to  the  coachman,  this 
being  the  porter's  department.  Two  pence  to  the 
porter.  At  Hemel  Hempstead  (look  at  your  map) 
found  a  beer  club  of  about  a  dozen,  smoking  and 
drinking  ale.  Joined  them.  Took  my  pipe  and 
called  for  my  pint  of  beer.  They  bring  a  pipe,  with 
a  small  bowl  with  tobacco.  The  tobacco  is  never  put 
on  the  table.  The  maid  fills  it  and  hands  it  to  you  ; 
for  each  pipeful  a  ^  penny  ;  pint  of  beer  3  pence. 
Arrived  at  Little  Gaddesden  yz  p.  8.  A  note  to 
Bartlett,  inquiring,  &c.,  and  that  I  should  call  in  half 
an  hour.  He  being  abroad,  it  was  opened  by  Madame 
Bartlett,  who  immediately  sent  a  servant  to  conduct 
me.  But  to  be  in  order  with  my  precise  friend,  Major 
G.,  I  went  first  to  his  house  ;  there  found  a  party  of 
ten  gentlemen  over  their  wine,  of  which  it  appeared 
they  had  then  drank  quan.  suf.1  Bartlett  and  M'Car- 
thy  were  there ;  also  Halsey,  M.  P.,  lately  married 
(two  years  ago)  to  a  wealthy  and  pretty  heiress,  whose 
name  he  assumed ;  Dr. and  his  son  (a  lieu- 
tenant of  navy) ;  Mr.  ,  a  handsome  young 

man.  After  twenty  minutes  went  to  Bartlett's,  where 
found  Madame  B.,  Madame  Span,  Mrs.  and  Miss 

.     Took  tea  and  passed   the  evening.     At   10, 

Bartlett,  M'Carthy,  &c.  came  in.  Urged  to  take  bed 
both  here  and  at  Major  G.'s  ;  but  intending  to  set  off 
at  y2  p.  6  in  the  morning,  preferred  the  tavern,  where, 
after  great  efforts,  I  got  a  very  small  fire.  Asked  for 
more  coal.  The  mistress  brought  up  in  her  hand  two 


I      Latin  for  quantum  lufftil.     As  much  as  suffices. 

38 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

pieces,  each  about  the  size  of  a  biscuit.  Got  a  bottle 
of  very  good  cider,  and  sat  down  to  write.  Note  to 
Major  Gamble ;  to  McCarthy ;  to  Dr.  Bartlett  desir- 
ing him  to  apologize  for  me  to  Lord  Bridgwater.  To 
bed  at  ^  p.  2. 

14.  Rose  at  6.  Set  off  at  7.  I  sleep  very 
soundly  in  these  stage  coaches.  By  sleeping,  however, 
forgot  to  ask  for  my  umbrella,  which  I  had  left  at 
Stanmore.  Took  breakfast  at  Edgware,  i  shilling  3 
pence.  Coffee,  bread,  and  butter.  If  you  have  an 
egg  or  any  other  article,  it  is  charged  in  addition. 
Arrived  at  12  at  the  Bell  and  Crown,  Holborn,  where 
left  my  trunk  till  I  should  see  about  getting  off  to- 
morrow. Went  on  to  the  Berwick  wharf  in  Burr 
street.  The  packet  course  ;  passage  2  guineas  for  half 
a  birth1 :,  3  guineas  for  a  whole  one.  You  are  found  in 
provisions.  Stage-coaches  go  every  morning  at  7  for 
York,  &c.  Doubting  which  mode  to  adopt,  walked 
back  to  the  Bell  and  Crown.  Paid  2  pence  for  leav- 
ing my  trunk.  Took  hack  and  drove  to  Queen's 
Square  Place  at  4.  Received  in  the  most  affectionate 
manner.  How  inexhaustible  is  the  goodness  of  Ben- 
tham  !  Hurried  to  dress,  being  engaged  to  dine  with 
Judge  Thorpe  at  Putney.  Walked  there  and  arrived 
just  before  6,  being  five  miles.  They  had  despaired 
of  me,  and  just  sat  down  to  dinner.  The  family  and 
Castella.  Affection  of  the  children.  Very  pleasant. 
At  y2  p.  8  returned  by  the  Richmond  coach,  which 
goes  every  hour  from  8  A.  M.  to  8  P.  M.  Thorpe 


I     So  in  the  MS. 

39 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

and  Castella  along.  Set  down  in  Pecad.  and  got  to  Q. 
S.  P.  at  yz  p.  9.  An  hour  with  Bentham  to  give  an 
account  of  myself. 

THE   ADVENTURES    OF  GIL   BLAS 
MOHEAGUNGK  DE  MANHATTAN. 

London,  December  21,  1808.  In  a  garret  at 
the  Black  Lion,  Water  Lane,  London.  Having  made 
half  a  dinner  at  Queen's  Square  Place,  drove  off  furi- 
ously to  the  White  Horse,  Piccadilly,  to  be  in  time  for 
the  Oxford  stage.  Having  waited  half  an  hour  and 
the  coach  not  come,  the  weather  cool,  went  in  to  warm. 
Having  warmed  half  an  hour,  and  wondering  at  the 
delay,  went  out  to  see.  The  coach  had  been  gone 
twenty  minutes.  My  honest  coachman,  as  well  to  be 
sheltered  from  the  storm  as  for  repose,  had  got  inside 
and  was  sound  asleep.  Drove  to  Gloucester  Coffee- 
house to  take  the  mail.  Was  advised  to  go  to  the 

D 

Golden  something,  Charing  Cross.  Thither  went. 
The  mail  was  full,  inside  and  out.  Thence  to  the 
Saracen's  Head.  Thence  to  Fister  Lane.  Coach  full. 
To  the  Black  Lion,  Water  Lane,  Fleet  —  full,  inside 
and  out.  To  the  Old  Crown,  Holborn — no  coach 
hence  till  Friday.  To  the  Bolt  Inn,  where  found  a 
seat  in  a  coach  to  go  at  7  to-morrow,  but  no  bed  to  be 
had.  Went  to  the  nearest  inn,  being  the  same  Black 

'  D 

Lion,  where  I  am  occupant  of  a  garret  room,  up  four 
flights  of  stairs,  and  a  very  dirty  bed.  In  the  public 
room,  however,  I  have  been  amused  for  an  hour  with 
a  very  handsome  young  Dane.  Don't  smile.  It  is  a 

40 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

male  !  A  merchant.  I  would  have  slept  on  the  porch 
or  walked  the  street  all  night  sooner  than  have 
returned  to  Q.  S.  P.  Coach  hire  9  shillings. 

Oxford,  December  22.  Was  called  at  6,  to  be 
ready  for  the  coach  at  7.  Gave  my  baggage  to  a  por- 
ter, but,  being  stopped  a  minute  to  make  change,  he 
got  out  of  my  sight.  I  missed  the  way,  and  when  I 
got  to  the  Bolt  Inn  the  coach  had  gone.  My  passage 
having  been  paid  in  the  evening,  there  was  no  induce- 
ment to  wait  for  me.  Pursued  and  had  the  good  for- 
tune to  overtake  the  coach.  Found  in  it  one  man. 
Having  preserved  perfect  silence  for  a  few  minutes  by 
way  of  experiment,  I  remarked  that  the  day  was  very 
mild,  which  he  flatly  denied,  and  in  a  tone  and  man- 
ner as  if  he  would  have  bit  me.  I  laughed  out 
heartily,  and  very  kindly  inquired  into  his  morning's 
adventures.  He  was  old,  gouty  and  very  fat.  No 
hack  to  be  had  at  that  early  hour,  or,  what  is  more 
probable,  choosing  to  save  the  shilling  he  had  walked 
from  his  house  to  the  inn.  Had  fallen  twice  ;  got  wet 
and  bruised,  and  was  very  sure  that  he  should  be  laid 
up  with  the  gout  for  six  months.  I  sympathized  with 
his  misfortunes.  Wondered  at  the  complacency  with 
which  he  bore  them,  and  joined  him  in  cursing  the 
weather,  the  streets,  and  the  hackney  coachmen.  He 
became  complacent  and  talkative.  Such  is  John  Bull. 
We  took  in  another  fat  man,  a  woman  still  fatter,  and 
a  boy.  Afterwards,  a  very  pretty,  graceful,  arch-look- 
ing girl,  about  18,  going  on  a  visit  to  her  aunt,  Lady 
W.  But  M'lle  was  reserved  and  distant.  At  the 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

first  change  of  horses  she  agreed  to  take  breakfast, 
which  we  did,  tete-a-tete1.  I  was  charmed  to  find  her 
all  animation,  gayety,  ease,  badinage.  By  the  aid  of 
drink  to  the  coachman,  our  companions  were  kept 
three-quarters  of  an  hour  cooling  in  the  coach.  They 
had  breakfasted.  When  we  joined  them  the  reserve 
of  my  little  siren  returned.  After  various  fruitless 
essays,  and  at  first  without  suspecting  the  cause,  find- 
ing it  impossible  to  provoke  anything  beyond  a  cold 
monosyllable,  I  composed  myself  to  sleep,  and  slept 
soundly  about  eight  hours,  between  London  and  this 
place,  where  we  arrived  at  8  this  evening.  (There 
must  be  something  narcotic  in  the  air  of  this  island. 
I  have  slept  more  during  my  six  months'  residence  in 
Great  Britain  than  in  any  preceding  three  years  of  my 
life  since  the  age  of  14.)  Took  leave  of  my  little 
Spartan.  Mem :  To  write  an  essay,  historical  and 
critical,  on  the  education  and  treatment  of  women  in 
England.  Its  influence  on  morals  and  happiness. 
Thinking  it  too  late  to  call  on  the  provost  (your  in- 
structions are  not  lost  on  me),  I  wrote  him  a  "  •polite  " 
note,  enclosing  the  letter,  and  proposing  to  see  him  in 
the  morning,  to  which  a  polite  answer  was  received. 

23.  I  was  received  with  the  distinction  due  to 
such  a  letter.  His  manner  is  mild,  cheerful  and 
courteous.  He  engaged  me  to  dine,  and  sent  for  a 
young  "  fellow,"  who  went  with  me  through  all  the 
great  buildings,  and  showed  me  all  the  strange  things. 
Many  of  those  for  which  I  inquired  he  had  never 


I      For  tete-A-tete.     Together. 

42 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

before  heard  of.  Everything  here  is  for  ostentation, 
and  nothing  for  use.  A  manuscript  of  Home's 
"  Mirror  "  was  shown  me,  but  evidently  modern.  A 
handwriting  much  like  our  Mr.  Koe's.  The  librarian 
acknowledged  that  it  was  but  a  copy,  and  professed  no 
knowledge  of  the  original.  The  bust  of  Aristotle  has 
a  forehead  very  like  yours.  We  were  more  than  three 
hours  traversing  the  various  buildings.  I  was  much 
gratified.  My  poor  conductor  nearly  frozen.  Two 
plump,  hale  "  fellows  "  joined  us  at  dinner.  Study 
and  abstinence  had  not  yet  impaired  their  rosy  com- 
plexions. All  is  canonicals.  The  dinner  was  excel- 
lent and  well  served.  The  details  of  the  conversation 
shall  amuse  you  at  another  time  ;  but  they  cannot  be 
written.  A  few  hints  may  serve  as  memoranda.  "  I 
would  rather  our  friend  Bentham  should  write  on  leg- 
islation than  on  morals  !  "  Holy  Father,  if  ever  one 
of  thy  creatures  was  endued  with  benevolence  without 
alloy .  All  this  was  admitted,  and  the  expres- 
sion was  qualified  and  qualified,  till  finally  it  settled  on 
the  single  point  of  divorce,  and  Hume  was  quoted. 
By  mutual  consent  divine  authority  was  laid  aside,  and 
I  made  a  speech,  which  was  very  silly,  for  I  ought  to 
have  turned  it  off  with  levity.  The  innate  sense  of 
religion.  "  The  most  barbarous  nations  have  some 
religion.  Has  it  not  a  great  influence  on  the  morals  of 
your  Indians  ?  "  We  then  got  on  American  politics, 
statistics,  geography,  laws,  &c.,  &c.,  on  all  which  a 
most  profound  and  learned  ignorance  was  displayed. 
The  evening  wound  up  pleasantly,  and  we  parted  with 

43 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

many  expressions  of  courtesy.  He  appears  to  be  of 
cheerful  temper  and  amiable  disposition.  Yet,  though 
he  speaks  of  Bentham  with  reverence,  and,  probably, 
prays  for  him,  I  presume  he  thinks  that  he  will  be 
eternally  damned,  and  I  have  no  doubt  he  expects  to 
be  lolling  in  Abraham's  bosom  with  great  compla- 
cency, hearing  Bentham  sing  out  for  a  drop  of  water. 
Such  is  the  mild  genius  of  our  holy  religion. 

Brummigem,  December  24,  (though,  indeed,  I 
have  heard  it  several  times  called  Birmingham.}  Left 
Oxford  at  7  this  morning.  We  were  four  inside. 
The  only  article  of  any  interest  was  a  pretty  little 
comely  brunette,  who  had  been  through  Blenheim 
Castle,  and  all  the  other  places  of  note  within  twenty 
miles.  Could  describe  all  the  pictures  and  statues  ; 
had  read  all  the  fashionable  novels  and  poetry,  and 
seemed  to  know  everybody  and  everything.  I  was 
never  more  at  a  loss  in  what  rank  of  beings  to  class 

o 

her ;  but  was  very  much  amused.  At  twenty  miles 
we  put  her  down  at  a  very  respectable  farmhouse.  I 
handed  her  in  ;  was  introduced  to  her  aunt :  "  My 
dear  aunt,  this  gentleman  has  been  extremely  polite  to 
me  on  the  road."  I  received  from  aunt  and  niece  a 
very  warm  invitation  to  call  on  my  return,  which  I 
very  faithfully  promised  to  do,  "  whensoever,"  &c. 
"  If,"  &c.,  &c.  At  Stratford,  where  lie  the  bones  of 
Shakespeare,  the  barmaid  gave  me  a  very  detailed 
account  of  the  jubilee  in  honour  of  his  memory.  At 
about  twenty  miles  farther  was  pointed  out  a  very 
handsome  establishment  of  Sir Smith,  dit  frere 

44 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

de  Madame1  Fitzherbert.  For  the  last  forty  or  fifty 
miles  we  had  on  board  a  strange,  vulgar-looking  fellow, 
who  had  been  all  over  the  world;  spoke  Latin,  French, 
and  Spanish;  and  in  the  course  of  three  hours  told  me 
more  than  a  hundred  lies ;  probably  some  itinerant 
Irish  schoolmaster.  The  market  place  and  the  prin- 
cipal street,  adjacent  to  which  I  am  set  down,  is  full  of 
people.  Tents,  booths,  lamps,  candles,  fiddlers,  pipers, 
horns.  Seeing  nothing  to  amuse  me  within,  I  shall 
sally  forth  to  see  what's  going  forward  without.  But, 
first,  I  have  taken  passage  for  Liverpool,  to  set  off  at 
y%  p.  ii,  being  advised  that  there  is  no  other  way  to 
get  on.  Against  my  will,  therefore,  I  go  to  Liverpool. 
We  shall,  from  appearances,  make  a  lively  party.  At 
this  hour  to-morrow  I  may  have  something  more 
amusing  to  say.  Now  I  go. 

12  o'clock.  Still  at  Birmingham.  Full  of  con- 
trition and  remorse.  Lost  my  passage.  Lost  or 
spent  28  shillings  and  a  pair  of  gloves.  Every  bed 
in  the  house  engaged.  No  hope  of  getting  on  but  by 
the  mail  at  7  to-morrow  morning.  The  office  shut, 
and  no  passage  to  be  taken  to-night.  What  business 
had  I  to  go  sauntering  about  the  streets  of  a  strange 
place,  alone  and  unarmed,  on  a  Christmas  eve  ? 
Truly,  I  want  a  guardian  more  than  at  15.  It  was 
K.'s  fault  that  I  left  my  dirk,  and  I  could  choke  him 
for  it.  I  have  often  heard  that  great  sinners  have 
relieved  their  consciences  by  full  confession.  Let  us 
try.  I  sallied  forth.  There  were  hundreds  of  pretty 

I     Said  to  be  the  brother  of  Madame  F. 

45 


Private     Journal    of     Aaron     Burr. 

dressed  folks  of  all  sexes  and  ages,  in  little  groups  and 
very  gay.  I  joined  one  party,  and  then  another,  and 
another.  At  length  I  got  so  well  suited  with  a  couple 
that  we  agreed  to  walk  and  see  the  town.  I  have  always 
had  a  passion  for  certain  branches  of  natural  history. 
These,  I  thought,  afforded  me  an  opportunity  of  ac- 
quiring information  ;  and  even  now,  amid  all  my  regrets, 
I  must  acknowledge  that  it  was  a  most  instructive  and, 
abating  one  rencounter,  which  had  very  nearly  ended 
in  a  riot,  a  most  amusing  lesson.  Hence  it  would 
seem  that  all  this  penitence  is  for  the  money  and  not 
for  the  folly,  on  which  a  very  good  theological  dis- 
course might  be  written.  The  subject  shall  be  recom- 

O  J 

mended  to  our  friend  the  provost.  Indeed,  I  was  very 
much  amused.  I  heard  many  amusing  anecdotes  of 
the  grandees  of  the  town,  and  some  strange  and 
pretty  things.  At  this  moment  it  comes  into  my 
head  how  to  redeem  this  28  shillings.  It  shall  be 
done  and  then  peace  of  conscience  will  be  restored.  I 
will  take  passage  outside.  Half  price  only.  I  am 
resolved,  and  you  shall  see  how  I  execute. 

Edinburgh,  January  i,  1809.     Got  my  best  par- 
lour in  order,  expecting  Lord  Justice  Clerk1.     At   12 


I  Charles  Hope,  Lord  Granton  (1763-1851),  was  educated  at  Edinburgh,  admitted  an  advo- 
cate in  1784,  and  in  1801  was  appointed  Lord  Advocate.  In  1804  he  was  appointed  an  ordinary 
Lord  of  Session  and  Lord  Justice  Clerk  in  the  place  of  Sir  David  Rae,  and  assuming  the  title  of 
Lord  Granton,  took  his  seat  on  the  bench  on  December  6,  1804.  On  November  12,  l8n,he 
succeeded  Robert  Blair  of  Avontoun  as  Lord  President  of  the  Court  of  Sessions.  In  December, 
l8}6,  he  became  Lord  Justice  General.  In  1793  Hope  married  his  cousin,  Lady  Charlotte  Hope, 
second  daughter  of  John,  second  Earl  of  Hopetoun,  by  his  third  wife,  Lady  Elizabeth  Leslie. 
Burr's  letter  of  introduction  to  Lord  Justice  Clerk  was  written  by  A.  Cochrane  Johnstone,  of 
London,  who  said  :  "  Permit  me  to  introduce  to  your  Lordship  the  bearer  of  this,  the  celebrated 
Colonel  Burr,  with  whom  our  worthy  friend,  Charles  Williamson,  was  very  intimate.  His 
talents,  abilities,  and  amiable  qualities  will,  I  am  confident,  ensure  him  a  place  in  your  esteem. 
He  proposes  making  a  stay  of  only  a  few  days  in  Scotland,  during  which  time  I  have  to  request 
that  you  will  render  him  any  attention  in  your  power.  He  is  anxious  to  have  an  opportunity  of 
making  the  acquaintance  of  the  most  learned  of  our  profession,  and  to  whom  can  I  apply  so  well 
as  to  you  to  bring  this  about  >.  " 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Arbuthnot  came  in,  and  afterward  Colonel  Smith.  At 
2  went  out.  Met  in  the  street  and  was  introduced  to 
Alexander  M'Kenzie1,  author  of  "  Man  of  Feeling," 
being  on  the  way  to  his  house.  Called  on  Jeffrey2 
and  handed  him  a  letter.  Called  on  Walter  Scott ; 
on  Lord  Provost  (Mayor).  While  Arbuthnot  and 
Smith  were  sitting  with  me  this  morning,  Lord  Justice 
Clerk  called,  and  was  refused  by  the  stupidity  of  a 
servant.  Wrote  Lord  Justice  Clerk,  apologizing, 
accepting  his  invitation  and  enclosing  Colonel  J.'s 
letter.  At  5  went  to  dine  with  Mr.  Jardine,  an  advo- 
cate. Delayed  a  whole  hour,  not  being  able  to  find 
the  house.  The  coachman  more  ignorant  than  myself. 
Met  there  Erskine,  brother  of  the  Lord  Chancellor 
and  of  the  Earl  of  Buchan,  and  heir  apparent  to  the 
title ;  Colonel  Alexander  Munro ;  Madame  Munro  ; 
the  Colonel  has  been  fifteen  years  in  India,  and  very 
lately  returned  ;  the  Rev.  Mr.  Morehead  ;  Mr.  Forbes, 

son  of  Sir Forbes  ;  Madame  Bruce,  femme  de 

Bruce,  son  of  the  traveler.     He  was  confined 

with  the  rheumatism,  and  did  not  appear.  Henry 
M'Kenzie,  advocate,  son  of  the  author  of  the  "  Man 
of  Feeling." 

2.     Note   from   Lord   Justice   Clerk.     Message 
that  the  Lord  Provost  would  call.     Waited  at  home 

1  But  it  was  Henry  M'  Kenzie,  not  Alexander,  who  wrote  the  novel  of  this  name.      He  was 
also  the  author  of"  The  Man  of  the  World"  (177?),"  Julia  de  Roubigne'  "  (1777),  etc.    Under 
date  of  February  12,  1809,  Burr  wrote  to  his  daughter  :     "  Among  the  literary  men  of  England  1 
have  met  M'Kenzie,  author  of  the  '  Man  of  Feeling,'  and  Scott,  author  of  the  *  Minstrel.'     I 
met  both  frequently,  and  from  both  received  civilities  and  hospitality.     M'Kenzie  has  twelve 
children — six  daughters,  all  very  interesting  and  handsome.     He  is  remarkably  sprightly  in  com- 
pany, amiable,  witty — might  pass  for  42,  though  certainly  much  older.     Scott,  with  less  softness 
than  M'Kenzie,  has  still  more  animation;  talks  much,  and  very  agreeably."     At  this  time 
M'Kenzie  was  64  and  Scott  38. 

2  Lord  Francis  Jeffrey  (1773-1850),  founder,  and  for  twenty-six  years  editor  of   The  Edin- 
burgh Review. 

47 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

till  2,  he  not  coming,  sorti1.  Called  on  Bishop 
Cameron  ;  thence  to  Arbuthnot's.  Snowstorm  ;  re- 
turned home.  Robert  Dundas,  during  my  absence, 
left  a  card.  While  dressing,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Erskine 
called — denied.  Madame  left  an  invitation  for  the 
evening  of  the  6th.  While  dressing,  also,  Mr.  Jeffrey 
and  brother,  nephew  of  Jeffrey  of  Boston.  The  brother 
had  known  A.  B.2  in  Philadelphia ;  also,  Sir  H.  Camp- 
bell, for  twenty-five  years  Lord  President  of  the  Court 
of  Sessions  ;  also,  Lord  Frederic  Campbell,  uncle  of 
Duke  of  Argyle,  Lord  Register. 

4.  Lev.  at  yz  p.  8.  Mr.  Gordon,  by  appoint- 
ment, called  ;  sat  half  an  hour,  and  tendered  all  sort  of 
civilities.  Sor.  at  12.  To  Mrs.  Lockhart,  3  Heriot 
Row.  She  was  a  Crawford,  born  in  Holland  of  Scotch 
parents  ;  Madame  Court- Lockhart ;  has  now  charge  of 
M'lle  D.  V.;  not  at  home.  To  Mr.  Jardine's,  where 

saw  Mr.  and  Mrs. ;  urge  me  to   pass    a  day  at 

,  the  residence  of  the  late  traveler  Bruce,  and 

now  of  his  son  and  heir.  To  Mr.  Arbuthnot's,  47 
Queen  Street.  Madame  and  M'lle.  Home  at  2. 
Mr.  Hume  came  in  and  claimed  acquaintance,  having 
dined  at  my  house  with  Madame  and  his  two  nieces, 
Houstons,  about  1803  ;  is  passing  some  weeks  in  town 
at  Mr.  Walker's,  who  has  made  a  fortune  in  the  East 
Indies.  Sor.  at  */2  p.  2.  To  Walker's,  21  Queen's 
Place,  to  see  Mr.  and  Madame  Hume.  T:  also  Mr. 
and  Madame  Walker  and  three  daughters.  Invited 
to  dine,  which  accepted,  hoping  to  hear  fine  music. 

I      Forji  suit  jorti,  or  je  tortis.     I  went  out. 
1     Meaning  himself. 


Private     *J  ourn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

The  daughters  very  fine ;  the  two  elder,  jolie,  belle — 
la  jeune,  genie1.  To  D.  Williamson's1,  from  whom  had 
just  received  a  very  friendly  note.  He  showed  me 
many  letters  addressed  to  Charles  Williamson.  Saw 
there  little  Charles  Alexander.  Took  coach  to  come 
home  for  dispatch  ;  2  shillings.  Dress  and  out  at  5  ; 
coach  i  shilling  6  pence.  While  I  was  out  the  Mr. 
M'Kenzies,  father  and  son,  called  and  left  cards. 
Found,  also,  an  invitation  from  George  Dundas  and 
wife,  for  Wednesday,  to  which  wrote  yes.  At  dinner 
at  Walker's.  The  family,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hume,  Mr. 
Ogilvie,  who  had  made  a  fortune  in  the  East  Indies,  and 
wife,  very  sprightly ;  Sir  William  Fettus,  Madame 

Wauchope,  sister  of  Sir Baird  ;  her  daughter,  a 

most  lovely  and  fascinating  girl.  In  face  and  person 
something  like  Miss  M'Kevers  (Van  Ness)3,  but  all 
animation,  sensibility,  and  intelligence  ;  a  son  of  Ma- 
dame Wauchope,  a  very  handsome  and  intelligent  lad, 
1 8,  in  the  navy;  a  son  of  Mr.  Ogilvie,  22,  also  sup- 
posed navy  ;  les  trois  M'lles  Walker4  played  and  sang 
Scotch  songs  for  me.  Took  one  rubber  at  whist ;  won 
i  shilling.  Off  at  10.  Trop  bu*y  drank  lemonade  and 
smoked  black  tobacco  till  i.  Amused  by  the  singing 
of  a  jovial  party  in  an  adjoining  room. 

5.  Rose  at  8.  Took  chaise  and  drove  out  to 
Lord  Justice  Clerk's  to  breakfast.  He  had  break- 
fasted, but  got  [breakfast]  for  me.  A  pair  of  Shetland 

1  The  two  older  ones  pretty,  beautiful — the  young  one  a  genius. 

2  David  Williamson,  Lord  Balgray,  was  a  brother  of  the  late  Colonel  Charles  Williamson. 

3  Mrs.  William   P.  Van  Ness,  whose  husband,  an   eminent  New   York  lawyer,  was  Burr's 
second  in  the  duel  with   Hamilton. 

4  The  three  Misses  Walker. 

5  Having  drunk  too  much. 

49 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Island  knit  gloves.  Lady  Charlotte  Hope.  Very 
interesting  confab.  Lord  Hope  walked  two  miles  with 
me.  Got  home  at  yz  p.  3.  Found  card  from  Colonel 
Smith,  and  notice  to  dine  at  4.  Note  from  Mrs.  Gor- 
don with  the  letters  of  "  Amicus  "  in  answer  to  Lord 
Selkirk.  Din.  chez  moi.  At  8  to  Mrs.  Erskine. 
Duchess  Gordon,  Lord  Tweedale,  Miss  Dallas,  Mrs. 
Munro,  from  Jamaica  by  way  of  New  York,  Lady 

,  who   introduced   me   to   her   husband,    Mrs. 

,  who  came  with  a  gentleman  in  black  scratch, 

Mrs.  Erskine,  Lady  Jane,  Miss  Dalzelle  and  brother 
with  crutch. 

6.  Rose  at  8.     Sor.  at  n  to  M'Kenzie's,  No.  6 
Heriot  Row ;  out.     To  Walker's.      Mr.  W.  and  Mr. 
Hume   were  just   going    out   to   see    me.      Mrs.   W. 
prayed  us  to  dine.     To  Jeffrey's ;  the  two  brothers. 
Chez  moi,  where  found   Mr.   Hope's  card.     He  had 
called  to  remind  me  of  Saturday  evening  ;  music.     To 
Mrs.  Erskine's ;  not   at  home.      Chez  moi.     Mr.  Jar- 
dine  called  while  I  was  dressing.     To  Colonel  Smith's 
to  dine  at  y2  p.  4.     Fourth  story.     Colonel  S.  and  his 
sister,    Mrs.   Dundas ;    Captain    Duncan,   an   old  sea 
captain  who  has  been   much   in  North  America ;   Mr. 
M'Cormick,  cousin  of  David,  lived  ante-war  in  Vir- 
ginia ;  was  at  New  York  during  the  war  ;   Dr. ; 

Captain    McDowell,    four    years    in   the    army ;  very 
impressive  young  man  ;  married   to   ,  a  corre- 
spondent of  Madame  Sp. 

7.  Rose  at  ii.     Sor.  at  i.     To  D.  Williamson's 
who    had    received    a    letter    from    Lord    Hopetoun, 


5° 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

inviting  me  to  visit  Hopetoun  House,  with  any  friends 
I  pleased.  To  dine.  Walked  with  D.  W.  to  the 

,  where  are  warm   baths.     To   Jardine's ;  all 

out.  Chez  moi.  Found  note  from  Mrs.  Gordon 
inviting  me  at  request  of  Mrs.  Johnstone  to  pass 
some  days  at  her  place  near  Sterling.  To  dinner  at 
Jeffrey's.  T:  Scott,  minstrel;  Johnstone;  two  Jeff- 
reys, &c.  At  9  took  chair  and  went  to  J.  Hope's,  54 
Prince  street.  T:  The  three  Misses  Hope,  daughters 

of Hope ;  Miss  H.,  sister  of  ditto  ;     M'lle 

Houston,  bien  joliel\    two   Misses  Walker,  sisters  of 

Mrs.    Hope ;    Miss   ,   anglois1;    Mrs.    Clarke, 

elderly;  Mr.  and  Madame  (or  Miss)  Duff.  The 
second  Miss  Hope  plays  superieuremenP  on  piano. 
Jane  Walker  sang  in  a  style  quite  new  to  me  and  very 
delightful,  several  Scotch  songs.  Chez  moi  at  12. 

8.  Rose  at    u.     Sor.  at   i.     Chez  James  H.; 
pas4.       Chez    Arbuthnot ;    sor.    av.s    to     Magdalene 
Asylum  ;  pas  admisb.     To  Colonel  Smith's.     T:  Cap- 
tain Duncan  who  engaged  me  to  dine  on  Saturday. 
Chez  moi  at  3.     Found  cards  of  Hume  and  Walker. 
At  4^  to  dine.     T:   M'Kenzie,  Clerk,  Vic.  Ker7,  b. 
a"esprit*,   Mr.   Arbuthnot,  and  sa  mere.     Ancien.  con- 
naissance  de  Madame  Bartlett9  who  was  Mrs.  Munro. 
Left  at  about  10.     Received  a  letter. 

9.  Vigils  till  6.     Rose  at  n.     Mr.  Clune,  the 

1  Very  pretty. 

2  For  anglaiit.     English. 

3  In  a  superior  manner. 

4  For  fas  chex  lui.     Not  at  home. 

5  For  son  avtc.     Go  with  him. 

6  Not  admitted. 

7  Vicompte  Ker.     Viscount  Ker. 

8  For  bcaucouf  d^esfrit.     Lots  of  wit,  or  intelligence. 

9  For  ancienne  connaissance  de.     Old  acquaintance  of  Madame  Bartlett. 

51 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Sheriff,  called  before  I  was  up.  Left  card  and  invited 
to  sup  the  loth.  Before  I  had  breakfast,  Colonel 
Smith  and  Captain  M'Dowell,  whose  wife  is  niece  of 
Bartlett,  sat  yz  hour,  and  engaged  me  to  dine  Friday. 
Breakfast  at  i.  Sor.  to  Jeffrey's.  Left  with  him  Bay- 
ard's speech  and  "  Agrestis1".  Interrupted  by  a  lady 
To  D.  Williamson's  ;  not  at  home  ;  left  note  for  him 
about  dining  at  Lord  Justice  Clerk's,  and  the  medi- 
tated visit  to  Hopetoun  House.  Met  him  as  I  went 
out.  Sat  y<2.  hour.  Chez  moi  to  dress  at  ^  p.  3. 
While  dressing,  Hume  called,  and  left  card  and  mem. 
reminding  of  engagement  to  dine  Saturday.  At  4 
took  post-chaise  and  went  to  Lord  J.  Clerk's.  T: 
Mrs.  Hope,  wife  of  General  Hope,  now  in  Spain, 
belle^  interest.,  chev.  jaune1",  Wedderburne  ;  Lord  Ch. 
Baron  Dundas,  nephew  and  son-in-law  of  Lord  Mel- 
ville ;  Lord  J.  Clerk  toujour  pott;  his  arrangements  for 
Hopetoun  House.  Return  at  y%  p.  9.  Paid  post- 
chaise  and  coachman  16  shillings  6  pence.  Wrote 
note  to  Arbuthnot  asking  interview  this  night  (about 
Walsh) ;  to  Mr.  Clerk,  accepting  his  invitation ;  to 
Williamson  about  the  visit  to  Hopetoun  House. 
Rene,  en  ret.4  Mary  McKay  at  Madame's.  Dr. 
Hume,  son-in-law  of  Captain  Duncan,  called  and  left 
card  and  invited  to  dine  on  Saturday. 

10.      Couche   y2    p.   2.      Rose  at   n.       Raining. 
Still  warm.     Sor.  at  i.      Mr.  Williamson  cbez  Madame 


1  A  pamphlet  detailing  General  Wilkinson's  intrigues  at  New  Orleans.     Alston,  Burr's  son- 
in-law,  was  suspected  of  the  authorship.      Blennerhasset  said  that  that  was  "  preposterous  ",  but 
that  Alston  s  wife,  Theodosia  Burr  Alston,  might  have  written  it. 

2  For  belle,  inliressantc,  cheveux  jaunes.     Fine-looking,  interesting,  yellow  hair. 
For  loujouri  foil.     Always  polite. 

4     For  Rentontrai  en  retournant.     On  returning  met. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Major  Robertson.  Belle  faille1.  I'res  poliment  recu* 
To  Duchess  of  Gordon  at  Dornbeck's  hotel.  Elle 
seu/\  The  medal,  &c.  Half  an  hour.  To  the 
Bridewell.  Panopticon.  Vid.  notes  inde*.  Chez  moi. 
Din.  seule  en  chamb*.  Rienfa.jusq.  a  <?6.  To  Mr. 

Clerk's.     T:    Admiral  ,  who  lost  an  arm  at 

Dogger  Banks;  Mr.  Duff;  M'lle  Duff;  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Clerk;  son  of  ditto,  aged  15;  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
James  Hope ;  Dr.  Hope,  professor  of  chemistry ; 
Judge  Hume.  Staid  till  12.  Invitation  from  Mr. 
Walker  for  Wednesday  the  i8th.  Question  about 
accepting.  Before  going  out  this  evening  wrote  to  D. 
Williamson  proposing  Thursday  for  the  Hopetoun 
House  party.  Chez  Duchess  Gordon.  Lady  Jane 
Montague,  18,  and  her  little  sister. 

ii.  Having  eat  and  drunk  too  much  yesterday, 
was  obliged  to  sit  up  till  5.  Rose  at  12.  Note  from 
D.  Williamson  before  I  was  up,  proposing  Thursday 
for  Hopetoun  House,  to  which  assented.  Sor.  ^  p. 
2.  To  Dr.  Hume's,  34  Yorke  Place ;  not  at  home, 
but  saw  Captain  Duncan.  To  Mr.  Arbuthnot's,  ]/% 
hour.  To  Jeffrey's  ;  not  at  home.  Chez  moi  at  4. 
Williamson  called  for  me  to  go  with  him  to  our  dining 
room  before  I  was  dressed ;  kept  him  waiting  yz  hour 
and  went  to  Mr.  John  Dundas.  T:  Mr.  J.  D. ; 
Robert  D.,  wife,  and  her  sister,  the  same  I  met  at 


1  Fine  figure. 

2  Very  politely  received. 

3  She  alone. 


4     Latin  and  English.     See  notes  thence  i.  e.,  taken  from  that.     "  Panopticon  "  was  the  title 
f  one  of  Bentham's  works. 

ill  9. 

53 


5  Dinner  alone  in  my  room. 

6  For  rten  fait  jusqu  a  9.     Nothing  done  till  9. 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Charles  Smith's  in  London ;  D.  Williamson ;  Mr. 
and  Madame  Irvine  ;  Mrs.  Ferguson  ;  her  son  and 
daughter,  he  an  average  American  young  man  ;  Mrs. 
Wallace ;  two  Misses  Rollo,  sisters  of  Lord  Rollo  ; 
and  Major  William  Drummond,  who  had  served  in 
the  West  Indies  and  is  now  going  to  Spain,  a  fine, 
sensible,  soldierly,  well-bred  man.  We  came  off 
together  and  he  urged  me  to  go  and  take  supper  and 
pass  an  hour  with  him  at  his  hotel.  Went,  supposing 
he  was  a  bachelor ;  came  in  Madame  D.,  a  most  lovely 
woman,  his  wife,  who  had  been  three  years  with  him 
in  the  West  Indies ;  Lord  and  Lady  Rollo  and 
another  Miss  Rollo.  Passed  an  hour  pleasantly. 
Chez  mot  at  ^  p.  1 1 .  Wrote  to  Madame  Gordon. 

12.  Rose  at  ^  p.  7.      Mr.  Williamson  called  in 
a  post-chaise.     At  */£  P-  9  we   drove  off;  a  fine,  clear 
day.     Stopped  for  an  hour  at Ferry  ;  a  com- 
pact village.     Great  number  of  fishing  boats.     Views. 
Cromwell's  mother.      Miss  Stewart  of  the  blood  royal. 
Dinner ;    two  wines ;    four  fries.      Pictures.      Hercu- 
laneum.     Home  at  ^  p.  8.     Sor. ;  37  shillings. 

13.  Rose  at  %  p.  i  o  in  very  bad  order,  having 
been  up  three  or  four  hours  with  the  bu.1     Took  de 
ere.  tar.  punch2.     At  12    Mr.  Walker  and   Dr.  Hume 
called  and  were  denied.    American  newspaper.     Packet 
arrived  in   twenty-three  days.     Colonel   Smith  called 
and  denied.     Dr.  Hume  called  again   at  3  and  sat  ^ 
hour.     Colonel  G.  at  4.     Walked  to  dinner  at  Captain 

I  Drinking.  Literally,  with  (having)  drunk.  On  this  day  Burr  wrote  a  letter  to  Jeremy 
Bentham  in  London  in  which  he  said  :  "  I  lead  a  life  of  the  utmost  dissipation.  Driving  out 
every  day  and  at  some  party  almost  every  night.  Wasting  time  and  doing  many  silly  things." 

i  Took  cream  tartar  punch — a  favorite  cure  of  Burr's  when  he  was  "  in  bad  order  "  in  the 
morning. 

54 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

M'Dowell's  in  snow  storm.  T :  Captain  M'Dowell's 
two  mothers  and  Miss  Donald ;  Colonel  Patterson  ; 
Major  Cameron  ;  Dr.  Spence.  Rode  home  in  Colonel 
P.'s  carriage  with  him  and  Miss  Donald — which  was 
tres  mal  fai1.  Captain  M'Dowell  urged  us  to  sup. 
Chez  moi  y2  p.  9.  Sor.  10.  Major  Cameron's.  T: 
Johnston,  la  chanteuse* ;  two  Madame  Camerons.  Chez 
moi  at  */2  p.  n,  tres  mecon.  de  moi1.  Finished  letter  to 
Koe.  Began  one  of  apology  to  J.  B.  All  flat  and 
bad.  Couche  at  i.  Invaded  by  tous  les  Diab.  de  reprou*. 
Vigils  till  5.  Omitted :  Mr.  Arbuthnot  called  this 
forenoon  to  let  me  know  that  Mrs.  A.  had  brought 
him  a  daughter. 

14.  Rose  yz  p.  10.  Mieux  qu  on  doit  attendre*. 
Before  I  had  done  breakfast  Lord  Justice  Clerk  called 
and  sat  ^  hour.  He  has  written  to  Lord  Melville. 
The  Lord  Justice  is  colonel  of  a  regiment  of  volun- 
teers and  had  been  out  exercising  them  three  hours  this 
morning.-  Moi  dor  I  /6  At  1 2  Robert  Dundas  and 
Dr.  Coventry  called  and  were  received.  The  Dr.  a 
pleasant,  sprightly,  sensible  man ;  •par.  aimable1-^  asked 
me  to  dine,  but  I  declined  to  fix  a  day.  R.  Dundas 
said  he  was  writing  to  Captain  Smith,  and  asked  my 
commands.  Desired  him  to  order  on  my  letters  and 
did  not  send  the  letter  written  for  that  purpose  to 
Captain  S.  Finished  my  letter  to  J.  B.,  a  mere  note 

1  Very  badly  arranged  (fai  for  fait.     Done.) 

2  The  vocalist. 

J     For  tres  mictntent  de  moi.     Greatly  displeased  with  myself. 

4  Refnu.  for  refrouvi.      Reprobate.      Hence,  invaded   by  all  the  demons  of  the  lost,  the 
reprobate. 

5  Better  than  one  ought  to  expect. 

6  For  moi  dorm  fur  !     Sluggard  that  I  am  ! 

7  For  farticuliirtment  aimablt.     Especially  amiable. 

55 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

on  the  same  sheet  with  that  of  K. ;  also  one  to 
Meeker ;  sent  both  to  post-office.  Sor.  at  3  to 
Arbuthnot's ;  out ;  compliments  and  enquiries  to 
Madame,  who  had  yesterday  a  daughter.  Home  at 
4.  Dress  and  at  ^  before  5  called  on  Colonel  Smith 
to  go  with  him  to  Dr.  Home's,  34  Yorke  Place,  to 
dine.  He  was  not  going ;  arrived  at  Home's  too 
soon.  Mr.  Home  abroad ;  nevertheless  Madame  H. 
received  me  very  politely.  At  dinner,  Mr.  Home 

and  wife  and   Captain ,  her  father,  an   old  sea 

captain,  Madame  H.  the  only  child ;  Mr.  Ferguson, 
barrister,  et  ux.,  a  pretty,  pale,  delicate  blonde,  tres 
jeune1;  Mr.  Thompson,  author  of  a  collection  of 
Scotch  songs  in  four  volumes  and  himself  bien  fer.  en 
Mus*. — advocate,  je  croP\  Mr.  Gillespie,  a  very  hand- 
some, gentlemanly  young  man ;  Mr.  Huyck  or  Hyck 
et  ux. — un  fern,  aimable  and  comely4;  a  lovely  little 
daughter  of  9,  qui  danse  comme  une  ange*\  Mrs.  Gil- 
more,  jeu.  veu.  22  tres  ri6.  and  very  beautiful ;  Miss 
Brown,  daughter  of  Captain  Brown,  handsome  et 

aimable  et  well  bred ;  two   M'lles  ;  the  elder 

sings  divinely,  the  cadet te"1  pretty,  manque  tournure*; 
Judge  Hume  and  wife.  Much  good  music  and  sev- 
eral Scotch  songs  in  a  very  superior  style.  Madame 
H.  plays  and  sings  extremely  well.  Miss  Brown  was 
intimate  with  Miss  M'Pherson,  now  Mrs.  Pringle, 

1  Very  young. 

2  For  bien  fervent  (fervent  in)  or  fertile  (fruitful,  abounding  in)  the  Muses,  i.  e.,  poetry. 
Mus.  may  refer  to  musique.     Music. 

3  A  lawyer,  I  believe  (je  crais). 

4  For  une  femme,  etc.     A  comely  and  amiable  woman. 

5  Who  dances  like  an  angel. 

6  For  jeune  veuve,  22,  trii  rictie  or  riante.     A  young  widow  of  22,  very   rich  (or  smiling, 
cheerful). 

7  The  younger. 

8  Lacks  figure. 

56 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

and  asked  her  address.  Met  her  at  Bath.  Mr. 
Thompson  begged  I  would  accept  from  him  a  letter 

to  Mrs.  Grant  (Sterling),  author  of .     Dr.  H. 

begged  me  to  fix  a  day  to  meet  a  literary  party  at  his 
house  and  to  name  any  whom  I  particularly  wished  to 
see. 

1 6.  Rose  at  1 1.     To  Arbuthnot's  ;  out.    To  D. 
Williamson's  to  confer  about  conflicting  dinners.     To 
James  Gordon's,  8  South  Castle  street.      Tres  bi.  recu 
par  Mr.  et  Madame1.    Author  of  "  Amicus."     Bought 
Brown's  reply  to  Selkirk. 

17.  Rose  at  i.     Captain  M'Dowell  called  before 
I  had  breakfasted.     Walked  with  him  to  Leith.     The 
docks.     Engaged  to  dine  with  him  on  Friday.     On 
return,   found   cards  of  Baron   Norton  and   Colonel 
Smith.     Note  to  Dr.  Home  to  inform  M'lle  Brown 
of  the    address  of  Miss   M'Pherson,  and  asking  for 
Ashe's  "  Travels."     Read  two  hours  in  Ashe2.     Full 
of  lies.     Believe  he  has  never  been  over  the  country 
he  describes.     His  letter  of  introduction  from  Burr  to 
Colonel  Bruin !     At  ^  p.  9  went  to  the  Duchess  of 
Gordon's.     T :     Lady    Montfort ;    Charlotte   Hope ; 
Duchess    of   Manchester;     M'lle    M'Kenzie.        Mr. 
Walsh  causes  himself  to  be  introduced  to  me  by  Jeffrey. 
Duchess  of  Manchester  opened  ball  with  reel,  and  then 
at  head  of  common  dance  ;  Lady  Jane  Montague  ;  her 
daughter    next.     Supper    very    handsome.     All    very 
gay.     Left  them  dancing  at  5.     Mrs.  Dundas  ux.  du 

1  For  tris  bien  re^u  far.     Very  well  received  by. 

2  "  Travels  in  America,  performed  in  1806,  for  the  purpose  of  exploring  the  rivers  Allegany, 
Monongahela,  Ohio,  and  Mississippi,  and  ascrtaining  the  Produce  and  Condition  of  the  Banks 
and  Vicinity."     By  T.  Ashe.     London:  1808;  three  volumes. 

57 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

chef  baron1  engages  to  receive  me  at  Sir  H.  Campbell's. 

Mrs.  Lockhart ;  D.  V.  not  there.     The  reels 

after  supper — pure  Scotch  reels — catches,  glees,  all 
very  social.  Mem  :  While  walking  this  morning  with 
Mr.  D.,  met  Lord  Justice  Clerk,  who  said  that  he  had 
just  received  a  letter  from  Lord  Melville  about  Gamp, 
which  will  require  him  at  London.  Arbuthnot  called 
this  morning  to  introduce  Governor  Houston,  a 
sprightly,  well-bred  man,  c.  d*  governor  of  Grenada. 
Married,  but  pas  enf.  Ric.*  M'lle  Erskine,  daughter 
of  the  late  Chancellor — the  form,  the  eyes,  the  hair, 
and  manner  of  Theodosia. 

1 8.  Queen's  birthday.  Rose  at  n.  Sor.  */£  p. 
12.  Mr.  Moir;  out.  Dr.  Home  ;  found  Madame  at 
home  with  a  lame  eye.  Lady  Charlotte  Hope ;  out. 
Madame  Erskine  ;  out.  Madame  Clerk  ;  out.  Gov- 
ernor Houston  ;  out.  Baron  Norton  ;  out.  D.  Wil- 
liamson ;  out.  Left  note  for  him  asking  to  write  that 
I  must  come  to  Sir  H.  Campbell's.  Arbuthnot;  sat 
with  him  5  minutes.  Chez  moi  at  ^  p.  3.  At  5  went 
to  dine  at  Walker's.  T:  General  Maxwell;  Mr. 
Baron  Hepburn  and  wife,  a  very  lively  old  lady  ;  Miss 

Trotter,  bien  grand,  fait  mat*  32  ;    Miss and 

Miss ,  a  relation  of  the  family  ;    Dr.  Home  ; 

two  M'lles  Walker ;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Walker ;  Judge 
Hume  et  ux.  After  dinner  sat  ^  hour  av.  les  dames1'. 
Took  hack  and  went  to  Sir  H.  Campbell's.  Madame 
chef  baron  has  agreed  to  patronize  me.  Tres  bien  recu 

1  Wife  of  the  head  baron. 

2  For  ci-devant.     Hitherto  or  formerly. 

}  For  fas  d\nfants.  Riche.  No  children.  Rich. 
4  For  bien  grande,  malfaite.  Very  tall,  ill-shaped. 
J  With  the  ladies. 

58 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

par  Sir  J.  C.  T:  Lord  Campbell;  Margaret  Trues- 
dale  ;  Mr.  Chief  Baron  et  ux.;  Mr.  Dundas  et  ux.y  son 
frere1;  Madame  interressante*,  32;  unfis1,  ill;  Miss 
Campbell ;  Madame  Colquhoun,  her  younger  sister,  a 
widow  of  two  years  sans  enf.4 ;  Justice  Clerke  et  ux ; 

Colonel and ,  an  old  advocate,  once  a 

man  of  wit ;  a  young  gentleman  not  named,  but  ap- 
parement*  related  to  the  family.  Staid  till  10.  Then 
walked  to  the  assembly  room,  i  mile,  very  cold.  Sans 
surf  out  ou  gans6 ;  continued  badly.  At  the  assembly 
rooms,  which  are  very  handsome,  Duchess  Gordon, 
Duchess  B.,  Lady  Montfort,  Lady  Primrose,  Lady 
Duncan,  Lady  Sinclair,  and  her  daughters,  M'lle 
Walker,  and  others.  Home  at  i. 

19.  Rose  at  ii.     Duchess  of  Gordon,  who  said 
many  civil  things  ;  Madame  Ferguson  ;   Mr.  and  Ma- 
dame F.,  Mrs.  F.,  his  brother's  wife,  belle  femme ;  two 
loving  children  ;  a  pretty  child  of  Madame   F.     To 
Mr.  Moir's,  20  Queen  ;  out.     To   Mr.  Gordon's,   8 
South  Castle  street,  to  dine.     T ' :   Baron  Norton  and 
wife  ;  Mr.  Young,  advocate  ;  Mr.  Moir,  of  Aberdeen, 
cousin  of  Madame  Gordon,  un  excellent  homme1 ;  Mr. 
Story  ;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Boyle,  (soldier  gent.). 

20.  Rose  at  ii.     Answered  M'lle  Williamson's 
note.     Arbuthnot  called  and  brought  me  letters  from 
Koe,  T.  B.  A.8,  Bollman,  and  Madame   d'Auvergne. 


I  His  or  her  brother, 

l  An  interesting  woman. 

3  For  unjih.     A  son. 

4  For  sans  infants.     Without  children. 
J  Apparently. 

6  For  gants.     Without  overcoat  or  gloves. 

7  An  excellent  man. 

8  Theodosia  Alston  Burr,  his  daughter. 


59 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

The  Hopewell  taken,  with  all  my  letters,  the  bust,  &c. 
My  presence  in  London  demanded.  Message  from 
Castella.  Sor.  at  i.  To  Mr.  Williamson's;  Mr. 

Home.     T :   Captain  Duncan  and  M'lle ,  the 

chanteuse ;  ridiculous   blunder  not  recollecting   M'lle. 

To    Walker's.       T :   Madame  and    the    two 

Mademoiselles.  To  Arbuthnot's  ;  Lord  Justice  Clerk 
urges  my  going  to  London.  Lord  Melville's  letter  to 
him.  Returning  home  found  cards  from  Mr.  Young, 
Mr.  Hope,  and  Colonel  Smith.  At  5  walked  with 
Colonel  Smith  to  Captain  M'Dowell's.  T :  Captain 
Kemp,  a  young  Englishman  who  was  in  the  army  and 
three  years  in  the  East  Indies  ;  Mr.  Kennedy  of  Ayr- 
shire, a  sprightly  gentlemen  of  50 ;  Madame  Knight 
and  son  ;  two  daughters  Madame  K.,  relation  of  David 
M'Cormick.  Off  at  9.  Colonel  Smith,  Captain  K., 
and  Captain  M'D.  walked  with  me  to  my  lodgings. 

2 1 .  Rose  at  1 2.  Up  all  night  with  crem.  ta.  pun.1 
Sor.  at  2.  To  Dr.  Home's ;  Mr.  H.  and  Captain 
Duncan.  To  Alexander  Young,  48  Queen ;  out. 
To  M'lle  M'Kenzie's;  out.  To  Gordon's;  ^  hour 
with  Mr.  and  Madame.  To  Jardine's  ;  out.  To  Vic. 
Clerk's  ;  out.  To  Sir  H.  Campbell's  ;  all  out,  but 
when  I  had  got  a  few  paces,  sent  for  by  Sir  H.  ; 
passed  ^  hour  in  his  library  ;  of  trial  by  jury,  &c.  ; 
elegant  house.  To  D.  Williamson's.  He  has  written 
to  General  A.  Hope  about  Gamp  and  expects  answer 
on  Tuesday.  Chez  mot  at  y2  p.  4.  Found  letter  from 
Meeker  assenting  to  my  draft,  and  note  from  Mr. 


Cream  of  tartar  punch. 

60 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Gordon  inviting  me  to  go  to  the  theatre  with  Mr. 
Irvine.  Sor.  at  5  to  dine  with  Ferguson,  41  George 
street.  Y :  Mr.  and  Mrs.  F.;  blonde ',  mince  ^  delicat^ 
aimable1,  ci  dev?  Home ;  her  uncle  the  author  of 
"  Douglass."  Mr.  and  Madame  Boyle,  advocate- 
general ;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fletcher.  Mad.  est  d'un 
esprit  forte1 ;  principal  directress  of  the  House  of 

Industry.       Mr.  who    was  in    U.    S.    before 

guerre4;  de  bon  sens5.     Mr.  and  Mrs. ;  Mr.  and 

M'llse  ;  Madame  F.  ux.  de  Dr.  F.  who  is  in 

Portugal,  belle  fern?  with  three  lovely  children.  After 
dinner,  American  affairs.  Sor.  at  9.  To  theatre. 
T:  Madame  Gordon ;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Irvine  and  her 
sister ;  both  handsome.  Cinderella.  The  little  Miss 
Rock  or  Rocque ;  lovely  child. 

22.  Couche  at  2.  Rose  at  8.  Read  an  hour  in 
Ashe's  "  Travels,"  and  did  nothing  till  1 2,  when  Cap- 
tain M'Dowell  came  in  and  we  walked  to  Holyrood 
Palace ;  a  grand  structure  far  above  St.  James's.  To 
the  Horse  Guard's  barracks,  a  very  handsome  estab- 
lishment. To  Porto  Bello,  a  place  for  sea-bathing, 
hot  or  cold,  in  doors  or  out.  A  very  pretty  village, 
greatly  resorted  to  by  the  Edinburghers  and  Leithites 
in  summer,  two  and  a  half  miles  from  Edinburgh  and 
on  the  sea.  Walked  along  the  shore  (a  fine  beach),  to 
Leith.  The  glassworks  ;  about  the  docks,  which  can- 
not be  too  much  admired.  Leith  supposed  to  contain 

1  Blond,  thin,  delicate,  amiable. 

2  For  ci-devant.     Formerly, heretofore;  probably  here  meaning  "  whose  name  was  formerly 
Home." 

3  Madame  has  a  strong  mind. 

4  The  war. 

5  Of  good  sense,  or  has  good  sense. 

6  For  belle  femme. 

61 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

20,000  inhabitants.  Home  at  3.  Ferguson  had  called 
and  left  his  pamphlets.  An  invitation  from  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Young  for  the  3  ist  inst.,  to  which  wrote  negative, 
intending  to  leave  town  on  Thursday.  N.  B. — This 
is  the  coldest  day  this  year,  and  many  say  within 
memory.  Walked  an  hour  seul  in  quest  of  adventure  ; 
got  home  without  any,  but  with  mischievous  inten- 
tions. Dinner  seul.  Sent  out  porter  to  notify  Ma- 
dame that  I  would  take  tea  there ;  went.  E.  G. 
Staid  till  ii.  Ten  shillings  6  pence  to  Madame;  14 
shillings  to  E.  G.;  2  shillings  to  dom's.1;  26  shil- 
lings 6  pence.  Tea  at  home.  Couche  2. 

23.  Rose  at  8.  Mr.  Hume  (Judge  Hume) 
called.  The  Lord  Advocate  left  card  and  invitation  to 
dine  on  Friday.  Went  to  consult  Williamson  whether 
I  ought  to  stay.  He  said  I  must ;  that  the  Lord 
Advocate  is  the  intimate  friend  of  Lord  Melville,  &c., 
so  sent  acceptance.  On  the  way  home,  met  Judge 
Hume,  and  walked  with  him.  Governor  Tonyn's 
ideas  about  the  west  country.  Various  good  sug- 
gestions and  a  most  friendly  interest.  To  Gordon's, 
8  Castle  street.  Saw  Mr.  and  Madame.  Home  at 
3.  Took  coach  at  5  to  dine  with  Baron  Norton.  T: 
Mr.  Young,  advocate ;  Mr.  Ferguson,  M.  P.  for 

;    Mr.  Gordon,  son    of  Sir  A.   Gordon,   near 

Dumfries  ;  Mr.  Storey,  whom  I  met  at  J.  Gordon's  ; 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  James  Gordon  ;  Baron  Norton  et  ux.y 
cousin  of  Madame  Gordon.  Baron  Norton  has  seven 
children,  very  beautiful.  M'lle  Hastie.  Excellent 


I      For  domtstiquei.     Servants. 

62 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

dinner,  and  excellent  wines.  The  hermitage1  and  claret 
the  best.  Staid  till  10  and  came  home  with  Mr.  Gor- 
don of  D.  and  Mr.  Ferguson.  The  Baron  repeats 
his  invitation  to  take  a  bed,  &c.  Invitation  to  dine  on 
Wednesday  with  all  the  Barons,  which  accepted.  At 
y2  p.  10  to  E.  G. ;  out  and  shut.  To  theatre  to  hunt 
for ;  not  found.  To  Madame  D.,  who  sent  for  G. 
Satan  hour;  7  shillings  to  D.;  21  shillings  to  G. 
Agreed  to  Wednesday.  Chez  /.*  at  i.  Went,  staid  i 
hour,  but  came  not.  Couche  yz  p.  2.  Note :  Judge 
Hume  thinks  Mr.  Jackson  would  be  a  valuable 
acquaintance,  and  proposes  to  introduce  him. 

24.  Rose  at  10.  Judge  Hume  called  at  1 1 
with  Mr.  James  Hume  or  Home,  writer  to  the  Sig- 
net. Go  to  view  the  register's  office  :  a  noble  building 
and  perfectly  adapted  to  its  purposes  ;  half  the  original 
plan  only  is  executed.  A  statue  of  George  III.  by 
Mrs.  Darner;  an  act  of  Parliament  of  1300.  To 
M'lle  Williamson's ;  V2  hour.  Home.  Mr.  Gordon 
of  Kurkuthbright'  came  in  ;  sat  yz  hour  and  offered  all 
sorts  of  civility  and  friendship.  Three  brothers ;  a 
counsellor  of  the  Court  for  Divorces  ;  major  of  militia. 
Spoke  much  of  Mrs.  Lenox  and  M'lle  Keene  ;  of  the 
latter  with  admiration  ;  that  they  had  told  him  much 
of  Gamp  as  the  greatest  and  most  am.4  in  America. 


1  Hermitage  wine,  that  of  the  Cotes  du  Rhone  in  Southern  France.     Of  this  there  are  three 
kinds:  The  red  with  its  peculiar  purple  colour;  the  white,  which  is  really  yellow  in  tone,  and 
the  very  unctuous,  luscious,  sweet  Hquttir-Wtc  vin  de  faille,  somewhat   like  a  tawney  port  in 
colour,  and  reminding  one  somewhat  of  a  sweet  old   Madeira  or  port.     It  is  called  vin  de  faille 
because  the  bunches  of  grapes  were  dried  in  the  sun  on  straw.     Now  they  are  dried  in  glass 
houses  until  the  grapes  become  almost  raisins.     But  very  little  of  this  is  made  now  and  it  com- 
mands high  prices  because  it  takes  seven  or  eight  times  the  quantity  of  these  dried  grapes  to 
make  a  cask  of  wine,  and  longer  time  is  required  for  maturing  the  wine. 

2  Perhaps  for  chex  elle.     At  her  house. 

3  Meaning  Kirkcudbright,  probably. 

4  Amiable  I 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

To  Madame  Gordon's,  8  Castle  street,  by  appoint- 
ment to  walk.  Found  her  waiting  impatiently. 
Walked  to  Baron  Norton's.  Took  with  us  Miss 
Norton,  Mrs.  N.,  M'lle  Hastie.  Walked  on  to 
Hawke  Hill,  the  residence  of  Mrs.  or  Miss  Johnston, 
80,  sister  of  Sir  William  Pulteney.  Passed  the  Loch. 
At  Hawke  Hill,  Miss  Laurie,  daughter  of  clergyman. 
jo.  vif.  sp.1  Asked  into  Mrs.  J.'s  room.  Pretty 
place ;  view  of  the  Forth ;  island  and  ocean  in  the 
rear;  from  the  Hill  in  front,  of  Edinburgh  and  its 
beautiful  environs.  Repast;  delic.  vin  Mad?  Mr. 
Laurie  walked  with  us  on  return  to  Baron  Norton's. 
Continued  on  with  Madame  G.  to  8  Castle  street. 
Her  zeal  about  lunatics.  Put  into  my  hands  report  of 
House  of  Commons  and  a  pamphlet  by  her  young 
friend,  Andrew  Duncan,  Jr.,  M.  D.  Mrs.  Norton's 
passion  for  the  chase  ;  of  the  cries  of  the  hare ;  dialect ; 
Diana.  At  4,  chez  moi.  Found  note  from  Mr. 
Young  with  the  Etym.  Die.3  and  invitation  to  family 
dinner  on  Thursday,  which  accepted.  Judge  Hume, 
who  is  indefatigable  to  serve  me,  called  while  I  was 
out  and  left  note  that  he  would  call  at  *^  p.  12  on 
Thursday  to  view  Hariots4  Hospital.  Note:  Madame 
G.'s  affecting  stories  of  the  treatment  of  lunatics.  Her 
zeal  and  perseverance  in  reforming  the  madhouse  in 

Edinburgh ;  of  Miss ,  who  is  leading  manager 

of  the  House  of  Industry  in  Edinburgh ;  burning  at 


1  For_/o/i«,  vive,  sfirituelle.     Pretty,  vivacious,  refined. 

2  For  delicieux  vin  de  Madirt.     Delicious  Madeira  wine. 

3  Etymological  Dictionary  of  the  Scottish  language. 

4  Heriot's  Hospital,  founded  for  the  education  and  maintenance  of  poor  boys. 


64 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Alsa;  of  the  benevolent  Captain  Lowes,  28  George's 
square. 

25.  Writing  to  Bentham  till  3.  Went  to  bed, 
but  my  head  had  got  so  awake  and  so  full  of  B.  that 
sleep  fled.  Poor  little  dear  T.,  you  are  rivalled  but 
not  superseded  nor  even  diminished  in  my  affections, 
but  another  is  associated  with  our  joint  existence ; 
another  who  will  love  you  as  I  do.  At  8  I  got  asleep 
and  slept  till  n.  Whilst  at  breakfast,  Colonel  Smith 
came  in.  Then  Judge  Hume,  who  comes  always  to 
discover  how  he  can  serve  me  and  always  succeeds. 
At  2  came  in  Mr.  Walker  to  ask  me  to  breakfast 
to-morrow,  seeing  that  all  my  dinner  hours  were  pre- 
occupied; assented.  Sor.  at  3.  To  Mr.  Gordon's  of 
Kircudbright ;  out.  To  Ferguson's;  out.  To  Col- 
quhoun,  the  Lord  Advocate ;  out.  To  Madame 
Gordon's  of  Craig,  8  Castle ;  out.  Home  at  4. 
Found  a  note  and  large  package  from  Mrs.  Gordon, 
of  Craig,  containing  publications  and  plans  about 
lunatic  asylums.  To  Baron  Norton's,  Abbey  Hill,  to 
dine.  Had,  by  appointment,  yz  hour  with  him  before 
dinner.  The  company  were  Mrs.  Dundas,  the  mother 
of  the  chef  baron ;  the  chef  baron  ;  Mr.  Boyle,  the 
Solicitor  General;  Mr.  and  Mrs.Jardine;  Miss  Skeene, 
sister  of  Mrs.  Jardine  ;  Mr.  Stewart ;  Mr.  William 
Dundas;  Baron  Hepburn  ;  Lady  Jane;  Baron  Nor- 
ton ux.  and  M'lle  Norton.  Miss  Hastie,  reported  to 
be  sick  abed,  did  not  appear.  Baron  N.  has  seven 

children:  Grace,  13;  ,  n;  a  boy,  10;  , 

9;  George,  7;  Helen,  5^;  Augusta,  4.     Extraordi- 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

nary  attachment  of  Augusta;  all  love  Gamp.  After 
dinner  taken  up  stairs  by  Augusta ;  sent  for  soon  by 
Baron  Norton.  Dinner  and  wines  excellent.  Madeira, 
champagne,  hermitage,  Frontignan,  malmsey,  claret, 
port,  sherry.  Baron  Hepburn's  very  warm  invitation 
to  come  and  pass  days  or  weeks  with  him  in  E. 
Lothian,  twenty-two  miles  from  Edinburgh.  Came 
home  with  him  at  10.  Conversation  at  table  general, 
and  current  trifles,  and  wit.  A  general  wish  that 
England  would  go  to  war  with  the  United  States. 
Home  at  10.  Sor.  Madame  D.  T:  E.  G. ;  */£  hour; 
10  shillings  6  pence;  dom.^  I  shilling;  engagement  for 
8  to-morrow.  Two  hours  reading  Mrs.  Gordon's 
pamphlets,  &c. 

26.  Went  to  bed  last  night  at  2  ;  lay  sleepless 
till  5  ;  rose  at  7.  Dressed  by  candlelight.  At  8  sor. 
to  E.  G.  as  per  engagement.  After  much  difficulty  to 
gain  admission,  G.  was  sub.  vt1!  Home  ;  breakfasted. 
The  knitting  woman.  At  yz  p.  9  walked  to  Walker's, 
23  Queen  street,  to  breakfast  again,  as  per  engagement. 
T:  The  family,  Judge  Hume  et  ux.  Sat  till  12. 
Amusing  and  amd.2  Home  to  give  orders  (a  most 
furious  snow-storm).  Sor.  immediately  in  hack  to 
Walker's.  Took  up  Judge  Hume  and  went  to  Jack- 
son's, who  with  Mr.  Gray  escorted  us  to  Heriot's 
Hospital ;  140  boys  at  dinner  ;  keeperess  and  ten  fern} 
servants.  Three  sick,  of  whom  one  lame,  one  feeble 
constitution.  Boys  under  10  and  above  7  are  ad- 
mitted. Sent  out  to  trades,  &c.,  at  14  ;  -  —  pounds 

1  Probably  for  lubter  vi  or  vim.     Under  constraint. 

2  Amusing  and  amused  (?) 
}      FoTftmmes.      Women. 

66 


Private    journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

to  each  on  going  out.  More  to  those  exhibiting 
literary  talents.  Income  ,£5,000,  and  will  in  six  years 
be  ^10,000.  Food  ;  clothing.  Good  faith  to  prevent 
detection  of  one  who  had  plundered  potatoes  ;  all  cut 
piece  from  their  coats.  During  Jackson's  administra- 
tion, 5*/£  years,  not  a  death.  Thence  to  Bank.  Plan 
by  Read,  a  young  Scotchman.  Twenty  clerks  ;  about 
twenty  offices  or  branches  in  the  different  towns  of 
Scotland  ;  capital,  $1,500,000.  Home  at  ^  p.  3.  Sent 
reply  to  Baron  Norton's  note  to  dine  on  Saturday, 
accepting.  Chair  to  dine  at  Alexander  Young's,  48 
Queen  street.  T:  Mr.  Stewart,  very  handsome, 
intelligent  young  man,  ^5,000  per  annum  ;  residence 
nearly  opposite  Isle  of  Man ;  near  relation  of  Lord 

;  Mr. ,  an  intelligent  young  man  ;  been 

some  years  in  East  Indies  ;  prisoner  at  Mauritius  ;  his 
plan  for  taking  Isle  of  France ;  knew  mad1  Hulot. 
Tres  gal?  Bathing  room.  His  son,  un  matelot  en 
marine*.  Hon.  M'lle  Crofton,  Ireland.  Mere  Baron- 
ess Crofton.  Belle.  Social.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Y.  Miss 

Y.,  jo.  interes.  esprit*.     Music.     Miss ,  whose 

name  was  not  heard.  [Conversation]  of  the  education 
and  talents  of  women  ;  great  debate  ;  of  J.  B.;  of  Dug. 

Stewart.      Mr.  Y.  is  agent  of  Lord .     Home  at 

ii.  At  the  instance  of  M'lle  Crofton,  took  home 
and  read  review  of  "  Cavallos  "  and  of  Hon.  Parnell 
on  penal  laws  against  Irish  Papists.  On  our  return 


1  The  writing  is  not  clear.     The  word  may  be  "  mad,"  as  given,  or  intended  for  an  abbre- 
viation of  Madame. 

2  For  trit  galant.     Very  courteous,  genteel. 

3  A  sailor  in  the  navy. 

4  Foijolie,  intircssante,  esprit.     Pretty,  interesting,  and  endowed  with  wit,  intellect. 


Private    y  ourn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr. 

from  Heriot's  Hospital  to-day  we   heard  the   news  of 
the  battle  of  Corunna,  and  of  the  death  of  Moore1. 

27.  To   bed   at   2.     Slept   till    5.     Rose   at    7. 
Sent  note  to  D.  W.  that  I  would  breakfast  with  him. 
Waited  an  hour  in  vain  for  return  of  messenger  ;  went 
and  found  breakfast  over ;  he  had  written  that  being 
occupied,  he  would  prefer  another  hour  ;  staid  2  hours  ; 
much  talk  of  X    affairs,   modes   of  access  ;  proposed 
introduction  to   Melville  and   Moira.     Home  at   12; 
very  stupid  ;  want  of  sleep  and  intemperance.     Couche 
and  slept  2  hours.     Dr.  Home  and  J.   Hope  called 
while  asleep.     Much  refreshed,  however.     Took  coach 
to  dine.     Dined  with  Lord  Advocate.      Sa  fern,  encore 
(mere  de  7  enf.)  t res  jo/.2  and  of  most  fascinating  sweet- 
ness and  loveliness.     T:  Sir  A.  M.  M'Kenzie;   Ma- 
dame   ;   Miss  Crofton  ;  the  Rev.  Mr.  , 

70  and  appearing  45.     At  ^  p.  9  being  about  to  go, 
the  Lord  Advocate  and  Madame  urged  so  much  that 
I  would  stay  to  sup,  and  Sir  A.  and  others  joining, 
that  I  assented  and  staid  till  12.     The  Lord  Advocate 
spoke  properly  of  J.  B.;  that  he  had  endeavored  but 
in  vain  to  get  access  to  him.     Madame  C.  took  a  lively 
interest  in  all  that  was  said  of  him  ;  took  list  of  his 
works.     Sir  A.  M'K.  loaded  me  with  all  sorts  of  civili- 
ties, urged  to  visit,  &c.     Home  at   12.     Sir  A.  M'K. 
walked  with  me. 

28.  Couche  at  2.     Rose  at  10,  having  slept.     Sor. 
at  i.     To  Dr.  Home;   Madame  H.  and  Captain;  sat 

1  Corunna  is  in  northwestern  Spain.    The  battle  (between  15,000  British  and  20,000  French) 
was  fought  January  16,  1809.     Sir  John   Moore  was  killed   by  a  cannon  ball  and  was  buried  at 
Corunna  by  his  soldiers. 

2  His  wife  still  very  pretty,  although  mother  of  seven  children. 

68 


Private     yournal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

y<i  hour.  To  Lord  Justice  Clerk's,  where  left  note 
requesting  interview  and  announcing  my  departure  for 
Tuesday  morning  ;  out.  To  Lord  Advocate's  ;  out. 
To  Arbuthnot's  ;  sat  %  hour.  Home.  Took  coach 
to  dine  at  Baron  Norton's  at  5.  T :  Sir  Campbell  and 
daughters,  bizarre1;  Colonel  or  General  Trotter  and 
sister,  the  older  sister  of  her  I  met  at  Walker's ;  Ma- 
dame   ;  Miss  Hastie.  Children  all  gathered 

around  me  and  became  familiar.  Grace,  13  ;  Fletcher, 
12;  Caroline,  u  ;  George,  9;  Helen,  6;  William 
Augusta  Ann,  4^.  W.  A.  A.  would  not  leave  table 
after  dinner  without  me ;  finally  she  permitted  to  stay 
with  me.  At  9  joined  the  ladies.  Miss  Campbell 
played  on  the  organ,  and  Miss  Norton.  The  Baron 
and  his  other  male  guests  came  up  at  10.  Stole  off 
and  brought  back  by  Caroline.  Passed  all  my  time 
with  the  children  ;  their  frankness  and  gaiety.  Came 
off  at  ii.  Talked  of  judiciary  ;  jury  trial ;  not  one 
had  read  Bentham.  Home  at  n.  Sor.  to  E.  G. ;  full 
and  noisy*;  ^£  hour;  7  shillings.  A  little  sore  throat 
which  I  hope  to  sleep  off. 

29.  Went  to  bed  at  2  in  bad  order.  Was  waked 
at  8  ;  a  most  infernal  sore  throat  and  too  drowsy  to  rise  ; 
lay  till  y<z  p.  ii.  John  M'Donald  came  in  at  least 
twenty  times.  At  i  came  in  Lord  Justice  Clerk  in 
consequence  of  my  note.  Sat  ^  hour,  when  J.  Hope 
came  in.  Lord  Justice  Clerk  zealous  in  X  affairs,  but 
does  not  go  to  work  right.  Sor.  yz  p.  2.  To  Captain 
M'Dowell's,  whom  I  found  alone.  Sat 


Odd. 

Burr  or  the  room  > 


69 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

parted  com.  fau.1  Called  on  M'lle  Williamson,  who 
was  at  dinner.  At  5  went  to  dine  at  J.  Gordon's  of 

Craig.     T:   Mr.  and   Madame  Gordon  ;  Dr. , 

horn,  disp*;  Mr.  Gordon  of  Kirkb't ;  Mrs.  Hill,  born 
in  Halifax,  and  M'lle  Hill.  Madame  H.  is  one  of 
the  committee  of  the  House  of  Industry  ;  M'lle  much 
interested.  After  dinner  talked  very  freely  of  judiciary, 
of  jury,  of  lunatics  and  paupers.  No  one  knew  any- 
thing of  J.  B.  except  Madame  G.,  to  whom  I  had 
talked  before.  Mr.  Gordon,  son  of  Sir  Alexander, 
walked  home  with  me.  Found  invitation  from  the 
Lord  Advocate  and  cards  of  Sir  A.  H.  M'Kenzie  and 
Mr.  Vic.  Clerk. 

30.  Had  been  intemperate.  By  way  of  cure 
drank  excessively  of  cr.  tar.  punch  ;  kept  going  till  5  ; 
very  little  sleep  ;  rose  at  9.  Bad  order  ;  very  bad,  but 
sore  throat  gone.  Sent  John  M'D.  about  stockings  ; 
wrote  to  Mr.  Young  with  his  books  ;  to  Lord  Advo- 
cate in  answer  to  his  invitation  ;  to  David  Williamson 
about  arrangements  for  departure.  Received  a  very 
friendly  note  from  Lord  Justice  Clerk,  enclosing  letter 
for  General  A.  Hope.  At  ^  p.  10  Judge  Hume 
called  to  notify  the  appointment  made  by  Mr.  Jackson 
to  go  with  me  to  Read's,  the  architect,  at  12.  Mr. 
Gordon  of  Kirk,  called.  Received  note  from  Madame 

Gordon  of  Craig  that  Captain would  be  at  her 

house  at  i  to  meet  me.  Sor.  at  12.  To  Jackson's; 
with  him  and  Hume  to  Read's,  where  was  greatly 
amused  with  his  plans  for  improvement  of  the  city. 

1  For  comme  il  faut.     As  was  fitting,  i.  e.,  as  men  should  part. 

2  Probably  for  homme  diiputeur.     A  disputatious  man. 

70 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

He  gave  me  his  plans  of  lunatic  asylum  and  the 
address,  bound.  To  Mr.  Gordon's,  where  met  Cap- 
tain   ;  sat  yz  hour.  To  the  Lord  Advocate's  ; 

all  out.  To  Ferguson's  ;  all  out.  To  Mr.  Young's  ; 
sat  y2  hour  with  Madame  and  M'lle,  the  two  Hun- 
ters (John  Hunter  consul  in  Spain),  Jane  and  Mar- 
garet;  bien  jol*,  n  and  12.  To  Mr.  Walker's; 
AT  lie  la  cadet  te ;  sat  ^  hour  ;  met  Home  at  the  door. 
Home  at  3.  To  Baron  Norton's,  Abbey  Hill,  one 
mile.  T:  The  family,  except  two  children  ;  Mr.  and 
M'lle  H.,  whom  I  met  on  my  return  ;  also  Mr.  Gor- 
don of  Kirk.,  who  walked  with  me  to  Holyrood  House; 
saw  only  the  gallery  of  pictures.  Home  at  ^  p.  4. 
Took  bowl  soup.  Sor.  at  ^  p.  5  to  E.  G.,  whom  saw 
and  *  *  *  *2;  I  hour.  Ten  shillings  6  pence.  P.3 
handkerchief  and  gloves.  To  D.  Williamson's.  He 
gave  me  two  letters  which  I  wrote  last  summer  to 
Charles ;  a  third,  more  material,  had  not  been  found. 
Note  :  He  has  many  of  the  letters  of  John  and  S. 
Swartwout.  Talked  an  hour  on  X  affairs  during  which 
I  twice  got  asleep,  and  came  off.  Home  at  9. 
Omitted  :  Yesterday  as  I  was  going  out  to  dine,  a 
servant  of  the  Duchess  of  Gordon  gave  me  a  verbal 
message,  with  compliments,  asking  me  to  sup  with  her 
that  evening !  Did  not  go  nor  send  any  answer. 
Called  this  morning  and  saw  her.  Some  civil  re- 
proaches. Invited  to  the  like  this  evening.  Just 
before  I  went  to  Williamson's,  her  servant  called  to 
say  that,  being  suddenly  much  indisposed,  she  could 

I      For  bien  Julie.     Very  pretty, 
z     An  undecipherable  word. 
J     Probably  for  presented. 


P  rzv  at  e     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

not  see  company  this  evening.  Doubtless  the  decease 
of  her  nephew,  Colonel  Maxwell,  who  died  of  a  wound 
received  at  Corunna. 

31.  Went  to  bed  at  12,  being  excessively  tired 
and  sleepy.  Nevertheless,  could  not  sleep.  Took 
ten  dr.  of  laud.  Still  no  sleep  ;  took  sixteen  more, 
and  about  4  got  dozing  and  lay  till  10.  Rose  very 
stupid.  Arbuthnot  called  and  sat  half  an  hour.  Sor. 
at  12  to  Manners  &  Miller's  bookstore,  to  meet 
James  Gordon  of  K.,  as  per  appointment,  to  go  to 
court.  Gordon  had  waited  y%  hour  and  had  gone. 
Mr.  Miller's  politeness.  Went  with  me  to  court. 
Lord  Justice  Clerk  sends  a  clerk  to  provide  me  a 
proper  seat,  &c.  F.  Jeffrey  speaking.  Stayed  one 
hour.  "  My  lud  and  my  luds."  In  very  bad  order. 
Home  at  2,  intending  to  go  and  discharge  all  my 
visits  ;  but  too  stupid  with  the  laudanum.  At  3  to 
the  Duchess  of  Gordon's.  [Conversation]:  Duke  of 
York  and  the  attack  on  him.  Very  angry  about  the 
report  of  the  death  of  Colonel  Maxwell.  Of  the 
Duke  of  York's  mistresses.  Of  Moss  ;  of  the  Shaws, 
father  and  son.  To  Miller  &  Manner's  store  ;  bought 
two  maps.  Returning,  M'Kenzie  overtook  me ; 
invited  to  his  house  to-morrow  evening.  Home  at  4. 
Ordered  a  bowl  of  soup,  but  when  it  came  could  not 
touch  it.  Went  to  bed  and  slept  two  hours.  Some- 
thing refreshed.  Mr.  Walker  called  while  I  was 
asleep  to  ask  me  to  go  to  the  concert  with  his  family 
this  evening.  Instead  of  soup,  took  tea.  D.  William- 
son called  and  gave  me  two  letters,  one  for  General 


72 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

Hope  and  one  for  Dr.  Braid.  Sat  an  hour.  Of  Braid  ; 
of  Moira  ;  of  Cochrane  Johnstone  ;  of  Picton  ;  D.  of 
Y.  A  note  and  a  long  letter  from  Madame  Gordon. 
Note  from  James  Gordon  of  K.,  which  answered. 

February  i,  1809.  Wrote  to  J.  B.  an  hour. 
Coucbe  at  2.  Lev.1  at  10.  Slept  a  little  and  still  in 
bad  order.  Note  from  Madame  G.  with  plans,  &c., 
which  I  had  left  at  her  house ;  answered  her  note. 
Wrote  to  Lord  Advocate  for  franks,  &c.  To  Meeker  ; 
to  Koe ;  further  to  J.  B.  Mr.  Gordon  of  K.  came  in 
and  sat  yz  hour.  Received  answer  from  Lord  Advo- 
cate with  the  franks  and  notice  that  he  was  ready  for 
M'lle  H.  Note  from  David  Williamson  with  two 
great  letters.  Wrote  him  to  remind  him  of  Sir  J. 
Sinclair  and  Lord  Moira.  Wrote  Colonel  Smith,  ask- 
ing his  commands,  &c.  Sent  my  letters  to  the  post- 
office,  having  enclosed  to  J.  B.,  T.'s  letter  of  Decem- 
ber 5th  and  Clara's*.  Received  note  from  Baron 
Norton  requesting  me  to  dine  with  him  to-day  en.fam.1^ 
which  answered  by  his  servant,  negative.  Sor.  ^  p.  2. 
To  Duchess  of  Gordon's ;  sat  ^  hour ;  of  politics  ; 
D.  of  Y. ;  revolution  ;  asked  to  see  her  in  London. 
To  Lord  Advocate's  ;  met  and  went  together  to  M'lle 
Hamilton's.  T:  Miss  Hamilton;  pas  mat4;  Mr. 
Edgeworth,  brother  of  Miss  E.,  the  author,  and  two 
ladies.  Sat  yz  hour.  Many  civilities  from  the  Lord 
Advocate.  To  A.  Young's.  Madame  and  M'lle. 


I  For  live  in  expression  jt  me  live.  I  get  up.  Burr  often  uses  this  word  for  I  get  up,  as  he 
does  mr.  for  I  go  out,  and  couche  for  I  go  to  bed. 

a  Madame  d'Auvergne,  better  known  as  Leonora  Sansay,  author  of  the  "  Horrors  of  St. 
Domingo,"  etc. 

J     For  en  famille. 

4     Not  bad. 

73 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Madame  is  a  native  of  the  island  of  Guernsey,  a 
d'  esprit.  M'lle  ires  interessante  and  plein  d'esp.1  To 
Walker's  ;  regret  of  Emily  that  Gamp  failed  at  the 
concert ;  most  affectionate  adieu.  To  Mr.  R.  Dun- 
bar's  ;  after  waiting  ten  minutes  in  carriage  at  the  door 
for  answer,  left  card  of  conge?  To  Mrs.  Erskine's. 
To  Hope's.  To  Vic.  Clerk's.  Hope  chased  and 
overtook  me  to  bring  me  back  to  dine  with  him, 
which  declined.  To  Governor  Houston's ;  out. 
To  M'lle  Williamson's  ;  out.  Home.  Ordered  beef- 
steak and  sor.  at  *^  p.  5  to  Arbuthnot's.  Saw  Mr. 
and  Madame,  and  her  mere  and  four  children.  "  I 
ken'd  ye."  He  offers  to  take  my  bill  for  ^50. 
Home  at  y%  p.  6.  Dined  and  dressed  for  the  evening 
at  M'Kenzie's.  Note  received  from  Lord  Justice 
Clerk's  inviting  me  to  sup  there,  which  answered, 
declining.  At  ^  before  8  sor.  to  M'Kenzie's.  T: 
Mr.  and  Madame  M'Kenzie;  his  elder  and  second 
sons;  Madame  and  M'lle  M'K. ;  Miss  Hope; 
M'K.  jol?  Lord  Webb  Seymour  came  in.  A 
del  esprit  and  connaisences4.  Tea  and  supper.  Con- 
versation general ;  wit  and  anecdote ;  of  Judge 
Cullen,  a  mimic  ;  of  banks  ;  paupers  ;  of  J.  B.  (ignor- 
ant) ;  of  juries,  codes  of  laws.  Tea  and  supper ; 
oysters,  &c.  The  two  older  women  were  engaged  to 
a  ball,  but  Hope  sat  till  n  and  M'lle  M'K.  till  12. 
Home  at  y2  p.  12.  Found  note  from  Colonel  Smith 


I     Has  intelligence.     Mademoiselle  very  interesting  and  abounding  in  intellect  or  wit  (  pltint 
d'eifrit). 

T.     For  congi.     Leave-taking. 

}      Foijolie. 

4     For  a  dt  Visfrit  et  det  connaiuancei.     Has  intellect  (wit)  and  attainments. 

74 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

inclosing  letter  from  Sir  J.  Sinclair.  Drank  hot 
whisky  toddy  to  balance  the  oysters. 

2.  Sleepless  night.  Rose  at  10.  Judge  Hume 
called.  Colonel  Smith.  Wrote  to  Captain  M' Dow- 
ell.  Sor.  12.  To  Arbuthnot's  about  money;  out. 
To  Holyrood  Palace;  see  Mary's  rooms.  To  Arbuth- 
not's again ;  he  took  my  bill  on  Graves  for  ^50. 
Home  at  ^  p.  i.  Went  to  take  passage  in  mail.  It 
is  full ;  so  kept  till  to-morrow ;  very  lucky,  for  it  was 
impossible  to  clear  out  reputably.  Took  passage  in 
Union  coach  for  to-morrow,  5  A.  M.,  7  guineas. 
Tavern  bill  ^20.  The  burnt  carpet.  Sor.  at  3.  Dr. 
Home's.  T:  Madame  and  Miss  Brown ;  Captain 

Duncan  and  Mrs. .  To  Jeffrey's  ;  sat  ^  hour. 

Home  at  ^  p.  4.  Wrote  long  letter  to  Madame 
Gordon  ;  to  J.  B.  Sorting  papers,  3  hours.  Note  to 
General  A.  Hope.  At  2  began  to  pack  up.  Three 
guineas  to  servants.  In  the  evening  a  note  to  Arbuth- 
not,  and  his  reply.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  M'Dowell's  note 
enclosing  letter  for  Span,  which  I  did  not  answer ! 

London,  February  7,  1 809.  Arrived  at  1 1  this 
evening  at  the  Saracen's  Head,  Snowhill.  The  usual 
time  of  arrival  is  i  P.  M.,  but  the  coachman  and  the 
guard  both  got  a  little  boozy,  and  each  had  a  girl. 
Stopped  every  few  minutes  to  drink.  The  coachman 
extremely  insolent.  With  great  difficulty  got  a  very 
dirty  bed,  in  a  room  with  another,  and,  after  an  hour's 
perseverance,  got  a  little  fire  and  a  glass  of  hot 
lemonade.  Went  below  in  the  public  room  to  smoke 
a  pipe.  No  segars.  Two  very  intelligent  young  men 

75 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

there.  One  a  foreigner,  looking  very  like  Gallatin1. 
They  both  made  approaches  for  acquaintance,  which, 
pour  des  raisons*,  I  received  distantly. 

8.  Breakfasted  in  coffee-room.     To  hotel,  Con- 
vent Garden,  to  see   Randolph5  and    Meeker.     Both 
gone.     Took  their  address  from  the  barkeeper.     To 
the  Horse  Guards,  where  saw  General  A.  Hope;  bien 
recu.     To  Queen's  Square  Place.     T:  J.  B.  and  J.  H. 
K.,  and  a  young  deputy  secretary ;     bien  recu.     Stayed 
to  dinner.      Out  at   10;    raining,  took   K.'s  umbrella, 
having  lost  my   own.      Koe   overtook  me,  having  run 
all  that  way  in  the  rain  ;  sent  by  Bentham  to  bring  me 
back  to  sleep,  he  not  suspecting  that  I  was  going  off. 
Apologized.     At  Bentham's  found  Theodosia's  letter 
of  the  jd  of  January,  and  one  of  September. 

9.  Breakfasted  at   1 1   at  Saracen's  Head.     Do- 
mestic demanded   my   name.     To    Graves's ;   he  had 
been  a  fortnight  out  of  town.      Returned  home ;  paid 
my  bill,  10  shillings  and  6  pence.      Domestic,  4  shil- 
lings and  6  pence.     Took   my  baggage   and  went  to 
call  on  W.  P.  M.;  out.      Left  for  his  perusal  the  letter 
I  had  written  to  Graves.     To  Horse  Guards  to  deliver 
General  Hope  another  letter,  which  I  had  overlooked. 
He  being  engaged,  left  the  letter.     To  Q.  S.  P.4  at  3. 
Note  from  General   Hope,  proposing  an  interview  to- 


i  Albert  Gallatin,  who  was  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States  from  1801  to 
1813. 

1     For  reasons. 

g  D.  M.  Randolph,  who  was  an  associate  of  Burr's  on  the  latter's  first  visit  to  London. 
Writing  to  Mrs.  M.  J.  Goodwin,  and  referring  to  Randolph,  Burr  said  :  "  If  it  should  happen 
that  you  should  meet,  be  not  discouraged  by  the  unpromising  appearance  of  a  tall,  meagre,  pale, 
white-headed  man.  There  is  truth,  and  honour,  and  goodness  within." 

4     Queen's  Square  Place,  where  Bentham  resided. 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

morrow.    W.  P.  Meeker  came  in  at  7.     The  bill  from 
Edinburgh  paid. 

10.  Castella  came  in,  and  we  walked  out  together. 
It  was  with  regret  that  I  left  Bentham,  having  intended 
to  join  in  his  morning  walk ;  K.  not  having  returned 
from  Hempstead,  where  he  went  yesterday  to  dine  at 
General  Bentham's  with  Miranda,  who  had  known  the 
General  in  Russia.  To  D.  M.  R.'s ;  he  has  aban- 
doned poetry  and  taken  to  the  manufacture  of  shoes, 
which  I  think  will  turn  out  something.  To  Mrs. 
Duval's,  who  gave  me  the  new  address  of  Lewis. 
Madame  Duval  knew  Miss  Emily  Devisme,  daughter 
of  Gerrard;  says  she  is  25,  and  has  200  pounds  per 
annum.  To  Lewis  Duval's,  to  whom  told  the  story 
of  White,  bookseller.  He  advised  me  to  employ  an 
attorney1,  and  sent  for  Humphrey,  to  whom  I  gave  the 
papers.  Resolved  to  change  my  residence.  Bentham's 
house  is  too  full  with  this  new  secretary ;  but  for  a 
more  cogent  reason,  arising  out  of  the  difficulty  with 
White  respecting  the  books  sent  to  Alston.  The 
benevolent  heart  of  J.  B.  shall  never  be  saddened  by 
the  spectacle  of  Gamp's  arrest !  So  I  have  said  that  I 
should  dine  abroad  to-day.  At  2  to  Horse  Guards. 
Interview  and  free  conversation  with  General  Hope. 
He  says  Lord  M.  will  write  to  me,  inviting  an  inter- 
view at  his  first  moment  of  leisure.  To  Q.  S.  P.  at  3. 


I  Burr  was  afraid  of  being  arrested  for  debt.  It  was  an  old  transaction.  In  a  letter  to 
Alston,  he  wrote  :  "  White,  the  bookseller,  has  made  a  peremptory  demand  against  me  of  the 
amount  of  his  account  against  us  both.  It  is  impossible  that  I  should  enter  into  a  lawsuit  on 
this  trifling  affair,  and,  trifling  as  it  is,  by  no  means  convenient  to  pay  it  out  of  my  slender 
resources.  The  sum  is  117  pounds,  and  he  demands  four  years' interest,  but  would  probably 
take  up  with  the  principal.  I  wrote  to  E.  W.  Laight  in  September,  requesting  him  to  send  his 
papers,  showing  how  the  seizure  of  the  books  was  made  by  the  government.  I  have  no  doubt  it 
was  the  fault  of  White." 

77 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

Remain  an  hour.  Out  to  look  for  obscure  lodgings. 
Got  suited  at  a  huckster's  (Dunn),  35  James  street. 
Roved  about  for  two  hours  without  any  object.  At  7 
to  D.  M.  R.'s  ;  he  gave  me  a  letter  which  he  got  from 
General  Lyman,  United  States  consul  general.  It  is 
from  E.  Bollman,  dated  August,  and  brought  by  Prime, 
an  Englishmnn.  Took  coffee  with  D.  M.  Randolph. 
Mr.  Skipworth,  late  United  States  consul  to  Paris, 
came  in ;  cold  and  formal.  Sat  ^  hour  and  came 
home,  Q.  S.  P.,  at  */£  p.  8,  sans  accident.  Three 
hours  spent  with  K.  in  deciphering.  Couche  at  2. 
Note  :  Humphrey  did  not  send  any  letter  to  D.  M.  R. 
for  me  as  was  directed  and  promised. 

ii.  Lev.  9  pa  tran1.  Castella  came  in  at  10. 
Sor.  at  1 1  to  Duval's,  whence  wrote  a  note  to  Hum- 
phrey asking  what  he  had  to  communicate.  Re- 
ceived reply,  requesting  an  interview.  To  his  house, 
Harper  street.  He  had  written  to  Tal.2,  who  agreed 
to  suspend  prosecution  till  Tal.  should  have  seen  the 
papers  ;  but  Tal.  says  it  is  probable  he  will  do  some- 
thing on  Monday,  being  the  last  return  day  this  term. 
He  will  see  T.  to-day.  To  Vickery's  about  peruke. 
To  Gilbert's  about  shoes.  Mem :  On  the  way  to 
Duval's  bought  a  settee,  12  shillings,  pourquo??  for  the 

chess  player,  to  whom  I  am  in  debt.     Called  on 

to  apologize  and  atone  for  the  failure  on  Wednesday 
evening ;  out.  To  Q.  S.  P.  at  yz  p.  4.  Dine  seul 
av.  J.  B.  [Conversation]  of  Mendoza  ;  Colquhoun  ; 
Chancellor  Erskine ;  superstitions ;  thirteen  at  table. 

I     Probably  for  fat  tranquille.     Not  calm,  not  easy  in  mind. 
^     The  attorney  for  White. 
}     Why  > 

78 


Private    journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Sor.  at  7  P.  M.  to  35  James  street  to  engage  the  rooms, 
order  fires  for  to-morrow  evening ;  gave  7  shillings  to 
buy  coals,  &c.  On  my  return  to  Q.  S.  P.  told  J.  B. 
what  I  had  been  doing  and  of  my  resolution  to  go  ; 
said  nothing  of  Tal.  After  a  free,  candid,  and  friendly 
explanation,  he  consented  to  my  departure,  my  address 
to  be  still  at  Q.  S.  P.  From  9  to  i  with  K.,  decipher- 
ing ;  got  through  both  letters.  Began  letter  to  D. 
M'K.,  but  determined  to  wait  to  learn  whether  he  be 
not  in  town,  and  if  not,  doubting  whether  I  would  not 
go  to  Hastings  to  see  him  ;  65  miles. 

12.  Lev.  at  10.  Sor.  at  */£  p.  n.  To  D.  M. 
R. ;  had  just  gone  out  to  call  on  me  ;  got  lost  an  hour. 
To  Vickery's,  where  got  peruke.  To  Duval's ;  out 
and  all  locked  up.  To  W.  R.  M. ;  out ;  wrote  in  his 
room  a  note  requesting  to  appoint  a  place  and  time  of 
interview  and  to  enquire  about  Grandpre  mentioned  in 
previous  letter  as  having  come  out  in  November  with 
letter  for  me  from  Min.  and  E.  A.  To  Mr.  Duval's, 
44  Great  Russell  street,  where  wrote  note  to  Lewis  D. 
desiring  him  to  get  M'K.'s  address  from  Mr.  England, 
his  attorney.  To  Castella's,  Fitzroy  square  ;  saw  him 
and  his  two  nieces.  He  walked  with  me  to  Charles 
Smith's,  14  Beaumont  Place.  Charged  Castella  to 
inquire  for  Grandpre.  Smith  out ;  left  his  brother's 
letter  and  card.  To  Cochrane  Johnstone's,  13  Alsop's 
buildings,  New  Road ;  out.  Returning,  took  coach 
and  drove  to  Surrey  street,  Mrs.  Hick's.  Gamp  tired. 
Message  from  Galley.  Marriage  of  Miss  Chase. 
Home  at  ^  p.  4  in  coach  ;  4  shillings  6  pence.  Din- 


79 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

ner  with  J.  B.  and  K.  At  6  began  to  pack  up  for 
removal.  To  Anna ;  7  shillings.  Porter  to  take  my 
things  to  Charing  Cross  ;  there  took  coach.  To  D. 
M.  R. ;  out.  To  35  James  street.  Porter,  3  shil- 
lings ;  coach,  3  shillings.  Madame ,  d'ou  diab. 

vient  elk1?  Sent  by  the  Devil  to  scd.2  Gamp.  Set  to 
unpacking  and  stowing  away,  which  with  smoking  and 
idling  and  thinking  about  writing,  kept  me  up  till  2. 
How  many  beautiful  letters  I  should  write  were  it  not 
for  the  mechanical  labour  of  writing,  which  I  hate  ! 

13.  Couche  2.     Lev.  7.     A  strange  figure  in  the 
drama.      Madame  P.     Breakfast  at  9.     Till  2  bring- 
ing up  Journal  for  T.     K.   came  in ;  apologized  for 
the  mistake  and  was  going  off,  not  suspecting  it  to  be 
ab.  a  cause  de  Peru}     Brought  me  one  pound  coffee, 
and  3  %  pounds  tea.     A  letter  from   L.  Duval  saying 
that  he  had  sent  to  Mr.  England  for  M'K.'s  address 
and  it  was  denied.     Kept  K.  waiting  while  I  wrote 
note  to   England,  to   Humphrey,  and  to   Duval,  the 
two  former  enclosed  in  the  latter.     Cochrane  John- 
stone  going  to  Vera  Cruz.     The   Berlin  decree  with- 
drawn !     Dub.4     Assorting,  filing,  burning  papers  all 
day.     Read  again  J.  B.'s  "  Emancipation."     Couche  12. 
Mem. :    K.  also  wrote   to   General   Hope   inquiring 
about  the  sailing  of  the  packet. 

14.  Slept  one  sound  nap  from  12  to  9  !     What 
has  happened  to  make  me  such  a  sluggard  ?     It  must 
be   the   air   of  this   country.      They   all   sleep.      My 

1  For  d\u  (Liable  vient-elle  ?     Where  in  the  devil  does  she  come  from  i 

2  For  seduce. 

J     About  a  cause  de  Perou,  i.  e.,  about  a  matter  of  great  importance  (f). 
4     Probably  for  dubito,  Latin  for  I  doubt;  or  else  for  dubious. 

80 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

habits  are  as  temperate  as  you  have  heretofore  known 
and  yet  I  absolutely  require  seven  hours  sleep. 
Whence  this  strange  revolution  ?  Madame  Prevost 
is  extremely  attentive — Un  air  d"  elegance  et  d'abbate- 
ment1.  Peutetre  28*.  While  I  was  at  breakfast,  J.  B. 
and  K.  came  in ;  a  quiet  laugh ;  brought  me  letter 
from  Meeker  proposing  an  interview  and  advising 
that  he  will  leave  town  this  evening  for  eight  days. 
Cannot  find  Grandpre.  Note  from  General  Hope 
about  packets.  Message  from  Castella  that  Grandpre 
is  here  but  his  address  denied  at  the  Alien  Office. 
Message  from  Colonel  A.  C.  J.  requesting  an  inter- 
view at  12  this  day  at  Q.  S.  P.  Sor.  at  12.  To  Q. 
S.  P.;  waited  till  y2  p.  i.  A.  C.  J.  came  not.  To 
D.  M.  R.'s;  out;  left  there  my  great  coat,  being  too 
warm.  To  Green  street  cabinet-maker  for  chess-table. 
To  L.  Duval's,  4  New  Square,  Lincoln  Inn ;  there 
received  answer  from  Mr.  England  giving  address  of 
M'K. — Binfield,  Berks;  his  father  lying  dead  there. 
Answer  from  Humphrey ;  he  had  had  no  further 
communication  with  T.  or  W.,  and  asks  my  "  deter- 
mination." Wrote  him  reminding  him  of  the  deter- 
mination already  made  known  to  him.  To  Meeker's, 
14  King  street,  Holborn  ;  gone.  To  D.  M.  R.'s, 
whom  found  waiting  for  me ;  sent  out  for  mutton 
and  potatoes,  and  staid  till  7.  Returning  home, 
corsettiere.  Bru.  cbe.  noi.  bo.  su.3;  7  shillings.  Drink, 
i  shilling  6  pence.  Fruit  and  chestnuts  for  Madame 


1  An  air  of  elegance  and  dejection. 

2  For  feut-etre  28.     Perhaps  28. 

3  For  corsftiire.     Brunette.      Cheveux  noiri.     Bon  sujet.     Corset-maker.     Brunette;  black 
hair;  good  subject. 

81 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

P.,  2  shillings.  Carpet  for  the  foot-board  of  O.'s 
chess-table,  2  shillings.  To  Q.  S.  P.  at  y2  p.  8.  Sat 
yz  hour;  refused  tea.  Home  at  9.  Madame  P.  not 
yet  come  in.  Mais  bientot  venoit1.  Foreseeing  that 
we  might  go  the  round  of  sentiment,  though  I  think 
we  shall  go  rapidly  through  it,  thought  it  necessary  to 
coo  dow.  Ce  pung.  I  corsettiere21.  An  hour  with 
Madame  P.  La  2  lecon  car.  et  souprs*.  Des  pr  ogres; 
c^a  je  finira  en  deux  jours4.  Two  hours  arranging 
papers,  noting  down  and  arranging  names.  Took  tea 
seul  at  10.  Coucbe  at  yz  p.  10,  having  lost  2^  hours 
with  P.  Des  progr.  rapides*. 

1 6.  Rose    at   9,   having   slept  sound  just   6*^2 
hours.     P.   rougisse.      Proteste.    Jamais    revenir,    &c. 
Au  milieu  de  tou.     Ca  pleurs.     Jo.  melange**. 

17.  Couche   3.     Lev.    10.     J.    H.    K.   came  in 
just  after  I  got  up  and  brought  note  from  Lord  M. 
inviting  an  interview  at  1 1  to-morrow  morning.     Sor. 
1 1  to  Gilbert's,  shoemaker,  Bond  street.     To  cabinet- 
maker's, Green  street,  Leicester  square,  about  chess- 
table.     Bought  chess-men  and  boards,  15  shillings. 

1 8.  Rose  y2  p.  9.     Pastro.bi.     Hate  m'habiller. 
Conge  peruke"1 '.     Sor.  %  before  p.  n.     To  6  Arlington 
street.       Lord  M.   not  up.     Desired  to   call  at    12. 


1  But  she  came  soon. 

2  This  is  a  great  riddle.     Possibly  meant  for :    Thought   it  necessary   to   kotow   (formerly 
spelled  tootoo   and  various  other  ways);  cefendant  la  corsetiere.     It  would  then  mean  :   Thought 
it   necessary   to  bow,  i.  e.,  say   good-by,  in   the    meantime,  to  the   corset-maker.     (The  word 
kotow,  introduced  into  English  from  China,  was  used  in  England  even  before  Burr's  visit  there.) 

3  For  la  deuxiime  le^on  [des]  caresses  et  [des]    soufirs.     The  second  lesson  consists  of  car- 
esses and  sighs. 

4  Progress.     I'll  finish  that  in  two  days.     (Finirai.) 

5  For  Des  frogris  rafides.     Rapid  progress. 

6  Madame  P.  blushes  (rougit.)     Vows  she'll  never  come  back,  &c.     In  the  midst  of  all  that 
[tout  cela]  tears.     Pretty  mess  ! 

7  Not  very  well.     Hasten  to   dress  myself.     (Je  me  hate  de  m'habiller.)     Take  leave  of 
my  wig. 

82 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Walked  home  in  the  rain.  At  12  took  coach,  2  shil- 
lings 6  pence ;  found  him  ;  received  in  the  most  kind 
and  frank  manner.  After  sitting  ^  hour,  he  was  called 
down,  a  gentleman  desiring  to  say  one  word  to  him. 
It  was  to  inquire  if  C.  B.1  were  not  there,  which  being 
answered  in  the  affirmative,  he  apologized  and  went 
of!!  Not  known  to  Lord  M.  Sat  an  hour.  Of 
his  advising  the  ministry  of  being  taken  into  the 
administration ;  of  the  war  in  Spain.  To  cabinet- 
maker's, Green  street.  To  Mr.  Duval's ;  out.  To 
Mr.  Achaud's.  M'lle  A.  began  to  ask  of  M'lle 
Duval.  Tres  hont  rec.  far1-  Madame  A.  and  M'lle. 
Stopped  to  take  jelly  and  cake.  Faib.  et  fat}  Voila 
Madame  P.4  To  14  Harper  street,  Mr.  Humphreys; 
he  has  seen  T.  and  arranged  a  suspension  of  hostili- 
ties for  eight  days.  Fatig*.  Took  coach  to  Horse 
Guards ;  General  Hope  out ;  got  the  daily  table  of 
packets,  &c.  The  packet  Express,  with  my  interest- 
ing letters  of  October  and  December,  still  in  port  at 
Falmouth.  What  fatality !  Home  at  5.  Coach-hire, 
3  shillings.  Mem.:  Rene.  Madame  Harris;  pri.  ad.b 
Dinner,  ham  and  potatoes.  At  7  sor.  to  Gilbert's, 
shoe-maker.  Rene.  pet. ;  3  shillings  6  pence.  Mai.1 
To  Q.  S.  P.  at  8.  Recontra  J.  B.  Son  avis*,  &c. 
Home  yz  p.  9.  Mai  fete9.  Cre.  tar.  punch,  which 

I     Meaning  himself — Colonel  Burr. 

1     For  tres  honnetement  re^u  far.     Very  genteelly  received  by. 

J     For  faible  tt  fatigue.     Weak  and  tired. 

4  There  is  Madame  P. 

5  For  fatigue.     Tired. 

6  For  Rtncontrai  Madame  Harris;    [je  la]  friai  \deme  dinner  JOB]  adresse.     Met  Madame 
Harris  and  asked  her  for  her  address. 

7  For  Rcncontrai  [une]   petite    [demoiselle   orfemme.]      5  shillings  6  pence.     Mai.     Fell  in 
with  a  little  woman.     3  shillings  6  pence.     Bad  ! 

8  Met  J.  B.     His  opinion,  &c.     (rencontrai.) 

9  For  mal  a  la  tite.     Headache. 

83 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

kept  me  up  till  5.  Madame  P.  sat  with  me  till  3  and 
nursed  me  with  great  tenderness. 

19.  K.  called  at  10.  I  was  still  abed.  Rose  at 
YZ  p.  ii.  K.  called  again  at  i.  Says  the  orders  in 
council  are  to  be  repealed.  Hard  cred1.  Took  a  note 
from  me  to  A.  G.  Milne  enquiring  about  vessels  for 
New  York  and  Spain.  Pas  blen.  Faib'i.  P.  sat  by 
me  on  the  canape  ou  je  reposoiP  the  whole  day  and 
evening.  At  7  P.  M.  made  me  coffee  and  causait  de 
ses  af.4  Did  nothing  all  day;  at  10  to  Q.  S.  P.  to 
get  change  of  linen.  J.  B.  gone  out  to  dine  ;  K.  gone 
to  Hempstead. 

23.  Madame  P.  rose  at  6,  made  my  fire  and 
called  me ;  then  made  my  breakfast ;  boiled  and 
brought  up  the  kettle ;  washed  and  put  strings  to  my 
night-cap ;  hemmed  my  handkerchief.  At  yz  p.  7 
left  my  quarters  with  a  shirt  in  post-chaise.  To  Gil- 
bert's, who  had  found  my  shoe,  but  had  done  nothing 
for  me.  To  the  W.  Horse  Cellar,  Piccadilly.  Sat 
waiting  in  the  coach  from  yz  p.  8  till  9.  An  elderly, 
plain  man  and  a  very  pretty  girl  of  1 5,  sad,  silent,  and 

apparently  enfantic*.  At  B ,  twenty-eight  miles 

from  London,  being  the  nearest  point  to  Binfield,  the 
elderly  man  and  I  got  out.  An  elegant  equipage 
and  two  servants  in  livery  were  waiting  for  him.  He 
begged  me  so  kindly  to  take  a  seat  with  him  that  I  did 
so.  Arrived  at  his  gate,  he  got  out  and  ordered  the 


1  Probably  for  hardly  credible. 

2  Not  well,  weak. 

}  On  the  couche  (canape)  where  I  lay  (refusals). 

4  For  causait  de  ses  affaires.     Chatted  about  her  affairs. 

5  Evidently  a  manufactured  word  from  the  French  word  enfant,  child.      Hence  for  infantile. 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

coachman  to  take  me  to  the  tavern  at  which  I  had  said 
I  should  stop,  which  I  declined.  He  asked  me  to  his 
house ;  declined  also ;  walked  not  300  yards  to  the 
inn.  A  better  bed  than  at  any  inn  in  Edinburgh. 
Wrote  to  D.  M'K.  asking  him  to  call  on  me  at  the 
inn.  Received  answer  from  Madame  De  Powe  that 
D.  M'K.  was  gone  to  Bath,  and  that  the  family  could 
not  receive  me.  So  wrote  note  of  thanks  to  Claude 
Russell,  Esq.,  paid  my  bill,  5  shillings  3  pence ; 
dom.,  i  shilling  9  pence,  and  walked  off.  At  ^ 
p.  5,  sunset.  Missed  the  road,  and  walked  4  miles  to 
get  to  Bridewell.  Continued  on,  rather  dark  and  a 
little  rain  ;  arrived  at  the  Sunny  Hill  Tavern  and 
Spring,  dit  medical1,  at  %  before  8,  having  walked  8 
miles.  Well  received  for  the  second  time  in  England. 
The  more  surprising  as  I  was  afoot,  but  this  is  off  the 
general  road  !  Tea,  sangree2,  pipe  and  tobacco ;  jollity. 

27.  Couche  i.     Rose  at  %   p.  7,   intending  to 
have  breakfast  with  Colonel  A.  C.  J.     Thinking  I  was 
too  late  for  that,  took  breakfast  chez  moi  and  sor.  at  10 
to  his  house.     Found  him  alone,  but  in  20  minutes 
we  were  interrupted  and  he  proposed  to  call  on  me  at 
Q.  S.  P.  at  4,  to  which  I  agreed. 

28.  Concbe  2.     Rose  9.     Sor.  at  n   to  see  the 
Hon.  Madame  Bruce  by  appointment.     Called  at  Q. 
S.  P.  on  the  way.     K.  had  forgot  to  send  my  note  to 
Graves.      To  Surrey  street,  where  saw  Madame,  the 
best  looking  woman  of  63  I  ever  saw  ;  she  avowed  61 ; 


i     Said  to  be  medicinal. 

Z     For  sangaree.     A  drink  of  red  wine  and  water. 


Private     ^Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

yz  hour.  Took  coach  at  Charing  Cross  and  drove  on 
to  Walbrooke;  Graves  not  at  home.  Left  the  note  for 
him.  Discharged  coachman;  2  shillings  6  pence.  To 
Dr.  Lettsome's.  Owing  to  stupid  directions,  walked 
a  mile  out  of  the  way.  But  wrote  him  note  about 
Gardiner  for  Mexico.  To  90  Gray's  Inn  Lane  ;  paid 
Bellamy  30  shillings  6  pence.  Through  Convent 
Garden  to  Q.  S.  P.  K.  out.  Home  at  4.  K.  called. 
Wrote  Bartlett,  enclosing  Mrs.  S.'s  letter.  Went  to 
Q.  S.  P.  at  6  to  get  it  franked,  but  Mr.  H.  had  not 
come,  so  the  letter  will  lie  over  a  day.  Dined  at  home 
at  4 ;  ham,  potatoes,  and  eggs,  cheese  and  butter ;  vin 
et  delicacies1.  Lounged  and  smoked  an  hour  and  then 
finished  my  letter  to  T.  Made  my  coffee  at  9. 
Rencont.  av.  Mr.  Dunn  qui  a  ete  3  jou.  id  incog. 
Pourquo'ii?  A  subject  of  the  mysterious  regions. 
Madame  P.  came  up  at  n  and  sat  till  i,  when 
separated.  Directed  a  letter  to  Lord  Justice  Clerk. 
March  i,  1809.  Couche  at  3.  Rose  ^  p.  8. 
Sor.  at  12.  To  Q.  S.  P.  My  letter  to  Bartlett  did 
not  go  till  to-day.  Saw  K.  only.  To  Gilbert,  shoe- 
maker ;  effect  of  offer  of  */£  crown.  To  D.  M.  R. ; 
out.  To  corner  Swallow  and  Oxford  to  enquire  for 
stage  to  Little  Gaddesden.  To  D.  M.  R.,  where 
dined  ;  2  shillings  6  pence  each.  Bought  razor  strop 
which  I  did  not  want,  2  shillings  6  pence ;  i  pound 
honey,  2  shillings  6  pence.  To  Q.  S.  P. ;  saw  K. ; 
no  letter  from  Lettsome  or  Graves!  Home  at  7. 

I     Wine  and  delicacies. 

^     For  Rencontre  avec  Mr.  Dunn  qui  a  ete  trois  jours  id  incognito.     Pourqcui?     Rencounter 
with  Mr.  Dunn,  who  has  been  here  3  days  incog.     Why  >. 

86 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Madame  P.  out.  Wrote  to  Lord  Justice  Clerk. 
Madame  P.  came  in  at  12.  Mauv.  bum.,  supposing  I 
had  seen  en  Rue  sans  parl.  Entete.  Pas  in  hum1. 

4.  Couche  at  2.  Rose  at  8.  Bruille  bier  au  soir 
av.  Madame  P.z  Madame  had  been  out  and  met 
some  one  who  talked  of  Gamp  !  That  she  should 
have  met  any  one  who  spoke  of  Gamp  was  a  little 
surprising  and  not  pleasant.  Inde*  many  conjectures, 
under  what  name.  Of  R.  was  impossible  ;  of  B.  not 
probable,  yet  possible  !  The  first  suggestion  was  that 
he  must  instantly  remove.  Went  to  bed  thinking 
much  and  concluding  nothing.  Madame  would  not 
explain.  Parted  boudeuse*.  Madame  made  the  fire 
and  got  breakfast  as  usual.  Regard  triste,  sombre.  Pas 
maligned  A  sort  of  explanation  ensued.  Madame 
said  that  one  of  her  acquaintances  had  met  us  walking 
the  evening  of  the  second,  and  knowing  !ui6,  had  fol- 
lowed and  on  meeting  lui  on  Friday  had  made  the 
remarks  by  description  and  not  by  name.  Consoled 
but  not  satisfied,  parted  amis1.  Packed  up  some,  and 
transported  to  Q.  S.  P.  other  of  my  things.  Mem. : 
Wrote  last  evening  to  Mr.  Gordon  of  Craig.  To  Q. 
S.  P.  %  before  i.  To  Gilbert's  bootmaker's;  boots 
not  done  !  To  corner  of  Swallow  and  Oxford  streets  ; 
stage  not  arrived.  Bought  paper  of  Wedgewood,  4 
shillings ;  two  pamphlets,  2  shillings ;  coach  hire  3 


I  A  strange  mixture  of  English  and  bad  French.  For  Mauvaite  humeur.  Supposing  I  had 
seen  (her)  en  rue  sans  purler.  Entete.  Pas  in  humcur :  In  bad  humor,  supposing  I  had  seen 
her  in  the  street  without  speaking  to  her.  Obstinate.  Not  in  [good]  humor. 

z     Had  a  fuss  last  evening  with  Madame  P.     (Brauilli.) 

3  Latin.     Hence. 

4  Sulky. 

5  Her  look  sad,  melancholy.     Not  malicious. 

6  Him. 

7  Friends. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

shillings  6  pence.  Set  out  at  yz  p.  i.  A  decent 
young  man  and  the  French  paper-maker.  The  jeu. 
bom.1  complimented  me  on  my  speaking  English  so 
well  that  he  did  not  know  I  was  a  foreigner  till  he 
heard  me  speak  French !  Arrived  at  Little  Gaddes- 
den  at  7.  Bartlett's  servant  waiting  to  receive  me. 
Engaged  bed  at  tavern  and  went  up  to  B.'s.  T:  The 
family  and  M'lle  Baillie.  Grand,  blanche,  chev.  not. 
bel.  tranq2'.  Bien  rec.3  After  tea  called  on  Major 
Gamble,  who  offered  me  a  room,  but  Madame  Bart- 
lett  had  provided  a  room,  fire,  &c.;  would  take  no 
refusal.  So  went  for  my  trunk  and  took  my  quarters 
at  B.'s.  (Mem.:  Passing  through  Nettleden  this 
evening,  saw  McCarthy  and  family.)  Couche  12. 
Little  Gaddesden,  March  5,  1809.  Lev.  at  8. 
Breakfast  at  10.  Sor.  at  n  to  Lord  Bridgwater's ; 
Madame  dressing ;  Lord  B.  engaged.  To  Major 
Gamble's.  Dinner  at  5.  Major  G.;  M'Carthy ; 
M'lle  Bingham,  daughter  of  Rev.  Dr.  Bingham,  has 
three  brothers,  one  major  in  army,  another  lieutenant 
in  navy,  and  the  third  studying  theology.  M.  a  bon. 
tai/le,  bon.  phys.,  gai.,  fran.,  ma.  quelq.  malad  au  fig.4 
The  Major  B.  and  the  youngest  brother  came  in  at 
10,  having  dined  with  the  second  brother.  Music. 
Span  touche  qu.lq.  airs  ecossais  sur  la  harpe  superieure- 
menfi.  Lord  Crew  of  Cheshire;  created  baron  under 


1  For  jtune  homme.     Young  man. 

2  For  grandt,  blanche,  cheveux  noirs,  belle,  tranquille.     Tall,  white,  black  hair,  good-look- 
ing, calm. 

3  For  bien   re^u. 

4  For  M'lle  a  bonne  faille, ban  ftysiqut ;  gat,  franche, mail  quelque  maladc  a  la  figure.     M'lle 
has  a  good  figure,  good  physique;  is  gay  and  frank,  but  rather  sickly  in  the  face. 

5  Span  plays  a  few  (quelques)  Scotch  airs  on  the  harp  in  a  superior  manner. 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

the  Fox  administration,  has  an  only  child,  Will  Crew. 
Dit  aimab.     Am.  de  Spa.1 

6.  Couche  at  i.     Lev.  at  ^4   p-  9-     Family  at 
breakfast    before    I    got    down.     Walked    with    Mr. 
Bartlett  through  the  park  to  Nettleden.     Met  M'Car- 
thy,  who  engaged  to  dine  with  us.    Wrote  to  W.  Graves 
to  hunt  for  Bartlett's  letter  and  forward  all  letters   to 
me  at  this  place.     Dinner  at   ^   p.   5.     The  family 
and  M'Carthy.      Mus.    et   dans,    le   soir*.     Story    of 
Princess   Amelia  and  an   Irish   gent.,  her  partner  at 
cards.    "  Five  love."     "  So  we  are,  my  dear."    La  belle 
sauvage*\  Ludgate   Hill ;  a  savage  and  a  church  bell. 
While  walking  in  the  park,  Bridgwater,  at  a  distance 
on  a  horse,  saw  and  galloped  up  to  us. 

7.  Couche  at  2.     Lev.  at  9.     Promen.  av.4  Span, 
Bart,  and  Baillie.     J.  B.'s  amusing  letter.     Dined  at 
Nettleden  with  M'Carthy.     Walked  there  with  Bart- 
lett.    Met   Bridgwater,  who  talked   of  a  dinner.     In 
the   evening   came   Span,   Madame    Bridgwater    and 
Baillie.     Music,  dancing,  &c.     Note :  In  letter  of  J. 
B.  came  one  from   Hosack   (supposed  William   E.), 
saying  that  Mr.  Edwards  (you  [know]  what  Edwards) 
had  written  to  me  and  wished  to  see  me. 

8.  Couche  at  i.     Lev.  at  9.     Walk  in  the  Park 
with    the  whole   family    to    see  the   building.      Met 

,  who  is  on  a  visit  to   Mr.  Heaton.     (Note : 

Mr.  H.  is  uncle  of  Whitbread  and  of  his  sister,  Mrs. 
Gordon  dit  d' esprit*.}     Walked  two  hours.     Return- 

I  For  Dit  aimable.     Ami  de  Span.     Said  to  be  amiable;  a  friend  of  Span. 

Z  For  [La]  musique  et  [la]  danse  le  stir.     Music  and  dancing  in  the  evening. 

3  The  fair  barbarian. 

4  Promenade  avec,  etc.     Took  a  walk  with,  etc. 

5  Said  to  be  intellectual. 

89 


Private     journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

ing,  Betty  Bustle,  5.  Dinner  en  fam.  Music,  &c. 
Wrote  J.  B.  that  I  would  be  in  town  on  Friday ; 
a  line  to  K.  desiring  him  to  tell  Madame  P. 
Wrote  Graves  also  to  stop  my  letters. 

9.  Couche  2.  Lev.  at  9.  Dinner  en  fam.  au 
soir1  as  usual.  In  the  morning  walked  seul  to  Net- 
tleden  to  take  leave  of  M'Carthy.  Two  families. 
Called  on  Major  Gamble.  Betty  Bustle — charmante 

enf.2 

London,  March  19,  1809.  Arrived  in  Madame 
A.'s  chariot  with  M'lle  E.  M.  at  ^  p.  4.  Very  ill 
with  a  headache.  I  could  not  sit  up  in  the  carriage. 
Kind  solicitude  des  dames*.  Got  to  my  den  at  5. 
Madame  P.  and  Mr.  Hosack  abroad  ;  no  fire  ;  lay  on 
sofa  till  8.  From  anxiety  about  some  letters  expected, 
made  great  effort  and  went  to  Q.  S.  P.  T:  A  letter 
from  D.  M'K.,  barely  civil  and  a  flat  refusal;  note 
from  Mr.  Forbes ;  ditto  from  Guillemard,  containing 
a  most  curious  sort  of  apology,  q.  v.4  Returned  chez 
moiy  and  again  took  to  sofa.  Drank  cr.  tar.  punch. 
No  effect.  Mr.  H.  came  in  at  10,  and  amused  me 
with  the  news  of  the  day  and  his  little  incidents. 
Says  Captain  S.  of  the  Herkimer  is  a  great  friend  of 

Gamp  and  offers   his  service.     Also  Captain , 

of  the  Jupiter,  who  lately  sailed.  Madame  P.  came 
in  at  yz  p.  10 ;  did  not  see  ;  at  12,  went  to  her  cham- 
ber ;  in  violent  hysterics.  Would  not  see  Gamp. 
Went  to  bed  at  12.  Slept,  or  rather  dozed  till  yz  p. 

i  With  the  family  in  the  evening. 

I  Charmante  enfant.     Charming  child. 

}  Of  the  ladies. 

4  For  Latin  quod  -vide.     Which  see.     Burr  kept  letters  received  and  copies  of  those  sent. 

90 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

9.  No  better.  Drank  cr.  tar.  punch ;  no  effect ; 
could  not  borrow  or  hire  a  machine  a  lave?  in  all  the 
town.  At  2  P.  M.,  however,  was  relieved  and  took 
a  slight  breakfast,  the  first  morsel  since  Friday  dinner. 
Dressed  and  went  to  Q.  S.  P.  to  meet  Captain  Skin- 
ner ;  waited  till  ^  p.  4 ;  came  not.  Wrote  note  to 
M'lle  C.  M.  Home  at  5.  H.  came  in ;  he  had  not 
found  Captain  Skinner ;  made  another  appointment 
to  meet  him  at  D.  M.  R.'s  rooms  at  1 1  to-morrow. 
Took  a  very  little  boiled  rice  for  dinner;  coffee  with 
Madame  P.  Read  over  my  letters  of  November  and 
December  to  T.  and  by  examining  the  sailing  of  the 
packets  am  in  hopes  that  she  got  my  duplicate  by  the 
Princess  Amelia,  which  is  said  to  have  sailed  Decem- 
ber 8th  and  arrived  January  2yth  ;  quite  renovated  by 
this  discovery. 

25.  Couche  2.  Rose  9.  Sent  H.  to  Somerset 
House  to  hunt  for  letters  by  the  Princess  Amelia,  of 
whose  arrival  heard  last  night.  Sor.  at  1 1  to  Q.  S.  P. 
No  letters  yet  come.  Note  from  D.  M.  R.  At  y2 
p.  1 1  Hosack  returned  sans1  letters.  Went  with  him 
in  hack  to  Somerset  House,  where  Captain  Skinner ; 
not  ready  ;  agreed  to  wait  till  2.  To  William  Graves's, 
whence  sent  express  to  Q.  S.  P.  for  my  letters.  He 
returned  just  as  we  were  seated  in  the  post-chaise,  with 
a  letter  from  T.  Paid  hack,  5  shillings  6  pence ; 
express,  3  shillings  6  pence ;  9  shillings.  At  %  p.  2 
drove  off  with  Captain  Skinner  and  Mr.  Brigham,  a 
handsome  young  Englishman  who  is  going  out  to  the 


I      For  machine  a  lavement.     Enema-syringe, 
z     Without. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

United  States.  Arrived  at  Gravesend  ^  p.  6.  At 
White  Hart.  Mr.  Lane  of  Boston,  a  young  man 
educated  at  Montreal,  and  who  has  been  in  East 
Indies  on  miscellaneous  affairs,  joined  our  mess.  He 
is  going  in  the  Herkimer.  Dinner  and  tea.  Captain 
Steel  of  New  York,  now  a  merchant,  and  Captain 
Thomas,  who  lately  sailed  in  his  employ  and  was 
seized  and  condemned  at  Copenhagen.  Steel  had  a 
copy  of  the  United  States  non-intercourse  and  non- 
embargo  bill.  Called  at  Steel's  quarters  in  the  evening 
and  there  saw  W.  P.  Meeker  and  Mr.  Boggs  of  New 
Jersey,  brother  of  the  lawyer.  Mr.  Mullett  of  Lon- 
don, merchant,  arrived  about  n,  having  come  on 
business  to  Captain  Skinner.  Wrote  to  T.  and 
A.  B.  A. 

30.  Couche  i.  Lev.  6.  Sor.  at  ^  p.  8.  To 
toyman,  209  Piccadilly,  about  chess-men.  To  Gil- 
bert, shoemaker ;  boots  not  done  ;  promised  every 
day  for  five  weeks.  To  D.  M.  R.'s,  where  left  note 
and  also  one  for  Meeker.  To  J.  L.  Mallett's,  to  get 
him  to  speak  to  Sir  F.  Romilly  about  alien  or  not. 
To  Faleur's.  Returned  to  D.  M.  R.'s  at  yz  p.  1 1  to 
meet  Hosack  by  appointment.  He  came  not,  but 
W.  P.  M.  came;  y2  hour  about  finances.  He  sais1 
there  is  advertised  at  the  Exchange  a  vessel  to  take 
passengers  for  Holland,  and  the  Atlantis  will  sail  for 
New  York  on  Monday.  While  at  D.  M.  R.'s,  Mr. 
Crew,  Quaker,  American  merchant,  came ;  doubtless 
he  is  acquainted  with  Sansom.  Left  D.  M.  R.'s  at  2. 
Stopped  at  a  small  shop  of  old  books  and  bought  4 

I     So  in  the  MS. 

92 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

shillings  6  pence ;  a  comb,  6  shillings ;  two  oranges, 
6  pence.  To  Wedgewood's,  to  give  order  about 
October  tablet  and  paper  of  a  size  to  suit  the  tablet. 
To  Bradbury's;  paid  for  nose  specs.,  10  shillings  6 
pence.  Over  to  Tottenham  Court  road,  intending  to 
see  Madame  O.,  but  changed  my  mind.  Roving 
back  without  noticing  what  course,  found  myself 
again  at  D.  M.  R.'s,  so  stepped  in  to  order  a  joint 
dinner ;  mutton  chops  and  potatoes. 

4.  35  James  street.  The  evening  passed  with 
Madame  P.,  who  assured  me  that  she  has  ascertained 
that  Mr.  Dunn's  negotiation  had  no  reference  to  me. 
Couche  at  2.  Lev.  at  8.  Having  a  confused  presenti- 
ment that  something  was  wrong,  packed  up  my  papers 
and  clothes  with  intent  to  go  out  and  seek  other  lodg- 
ings. At  i  o'clock  came  in,  without  knocking,  four 
coarse-looking  men,  who  said  they  had  a  state  warrant 
for  seizing  me  and  my  papers  ;  but  refused  to  show  the 
warrant.  I  was  peremptory,  and  the  warrant  was  pro- 
duced, signed  Liverpool1;  but  I  was  not  permitted  to 
read  the  whole.  They  took  possession  of  my  trunks, 
searched  every  part  of  the  room  for  papers,  threw  all 
the  loose  articles  into  a  sack,  called  a  coach,  and  away 
we  went  to  the  Alien  Office.  Before  going  I  wrote  a 
note  to  Reeves,  q.  v.,  and  on  our  arrival  sent  it  in. 
Waited  one  hour  in  the  coach,  very  cold,  but  I  refused 
to  go  in.  Wrote  in  pencil  to  Reeves  another  note. 
He  came  out.  We  had  a  little  conversation.  He 
could  not  then  explain,  but  said  I  must  have  patience. 

I     Lord  Liverpool,  British  minister.     Burr  was  under  grave  suspicion,  and  the  ministry  were 
determined  that  he  should  leave  the  country. 

93 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

After  half  an  hour  more  orders  came  that  I  must  go 
with  one  of  the  messengers  (Hughes)  to  his  house. 
On  this  order  I  first  went  into  the  office  to  see  Brooks, 
the  under  secretary,  whom  I  knew.  You  may  recol- 
lect the  transaction  in  July,  which  must  have  fixed  me 
in  his  memory.  He  did  not  know  me  except  that  I 
was  Mr.  K.  None  of  them  knew  me,  though  every 
devil  of  them  knew  me  as  well  as  I  know  you.  Seeing 
the  measure  was  resolved  on,  and  having  inquired  of 
the  sort  of  restraint  to  which  I  was  doomed,  I  wrote  a 
note  to  Koe,  which  Brooks  took  to  show  to  Lord 
Liverpool  for  his  approbation  to  forward  it.  Arrived 
at  my  prison,  31  Stafford  Place,  at  4.  The  wife,  a 
very  pretty  young  Welsh  girl  with  a  young  child. 
Both  very  civil.  Here  we  are,  husband,  wife  and 
child.  After  dinner  looked  out  for  amusement.  His 
books  were  all  German  except  "  The  Secret,"  a  play, 
and  Tacitus's  "  Life  of  Agricola,"  translated  by  Aiken, 
both  of  which  I  read;  but  happening  to  discover  that 
Hughes  played  chess,  we  took  to  that,  and,  having 
played  till  the  poor  fellow  is  almost  crazed,  I  wrote 
this,  and  am  now  going  to  bed  in  a  small  room  on  the 
same  floor,  where  is  a  neat,  comfortable  bed. 

5.  Slept  very  sound  till  8,  and  was  then  wak- 
ened by  Hughes,  as  I  had  ordered.  Breakfast  at  9. 
The  only  thing  that  disturbed  me  was  some  apprehen- 
sion about  my  papers.  They  have  got  everything. 
No  plots  or  treasons,  to  be  sure,  but,  what  is  worse, 
all  my  ridiculous  Journal,  and  all  my  letters  and  copies. 
Wrote  Reeves,  q.  v.  Hughes  sent  the  letter.  No 


94 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

person  is  permitted  to  see  me.  There  being  no  other 
books  in  any  language  intelligible  to  me,  went  to  chess, 
our  only  resource.  Played  till  5,  dinner-time.  A 
very  good  dinner,  and  then  Hughes,  his  wife,  and  I 
make  a  party  of  whist.  I  took  the  dead  hand,  the 
child  fortunately  asleep.  This  child  annoys  us  a  great 
deal,  having  the  hooping1  cough.  At  yz  p.  1 1 
Hughes  and  I  engaged  in  another  game  of  chess, 
which  lasted  till  i.  I  give  him  a  castle  to  make  us 
equal.  The  following  are  the  notes  referred  to  in  my 
Journal  of  yesterday: 

My  person,  under  the  name  of  Kirby,  papers,  and  effects  are 
seized  by  warrant  from  Lord  Liverpool.  I  wait  in  a  coach  at  the 
door.  Explain  who  Mr.  K.  is,  and  step  to  the  door  to  save  me  the 
vexation  of  going  in.  A.  BURR. 

3  P.  M.  I  sent  in  a  note  to  you  ;  has  it  been  received  ?  I 
am  still  waiting  in  the  carriage  at  your  door.  A.  BURR. 

6.  Cards  last  evening  till  12.  Chess  till  i. 
Couche  y<2,  p.  i.  Rose  ]/%  p.  8.  Reeves,  q.  v.  Just 
as  the  letter  was  going  a  message  came  requiring  our 
attendance  at  the  Alien  Office  at  10;  so  we  did  not 
send  the  letter.  Went  at  the  hour  in  a  hack.  T: 
Brooks  and  Beckett;  both  very  civil.  Apology  and 
message  from  Lord  Liverpool.  Discharged,  and 
papers  and  effects  restored.  The  papers  had  not  been 
opened.  Beckett  and  Brooks  went  with  a  message 
from  me  to  Lord  Liverpool.  In  the  interim  came 
in  Reeves.  His  advice  about  alienism.  Brooks 
returned.  ^50  !  Heligoland  !  He  ordered  Hughes 
to  take  my  baggage  where  I  might  direct,  which  was 

i     So  in  the  MS. 

95 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

to  Q.  S.  P.  At  3  called  at  3 5  James  street.  Madame 
P.  out.  To  1 6  Palace  street;  gloomy  faces.  W.  A. 
Hosack,  his  papers  and  effects  seized  on  Tuesday 
night.  Zeal  and  firmness  of  Madame  P.  Fearing 
that  Gamp's  interference  might  do  harm,  wrote  to 
Captain  Newton,  q.  v.  To  Q.  S.  P.,  where  dined. 
Received  a  letter  from  Captain  Edwards,  advising  that 
he  would  be  here  on  Friday  noon.  Note  from  A.  O., 
postponing  the  proposed  interview  till  Saturday. 
Wrote  Graves.  Note  to  Mr.  Achaud  that  I  would 
call  at  9  to  see  him  and  take  leave.  Received  note 
and  book  from  William  Godwin.  At  8  walked  to 
William  Godwin's.  T:  The  family  and  Madame 
Cooper,  mother  of  the  actor.  At  9  to  Achaud's. 
Morose.  Saw  him  and  Madame.  At  10,  35  James 
street ;  Madame  P.  de  ret.  Eien  aim.1  The  story  of 
the  last  two  days  and  her  dreams. 

7.  Couche  i.  Rose  9.  To  J.  Reeves's  of 
whom  learned  the  place  of  W.  A.  Hosack's  confine- 
ment. Went  there,  but  could  not  get  admittance  (10 
Charles  street).  To  Alien  Office  to  ask  of  Brooks 
permission  to  see  him.  Refused.  Wrote  him  a  note, 
which  Brooks  promised  to  send.  Passed  the  door 
several  times,  and  at  length  Hosack  raised  the  window, 
and  I  spoke  to  him.  To  Q.  S.  P.,  where  dressed. 
To  Reeves  at  2,  by  appointment,  to  meet  Brooks,  who 
came.  Confab  one  hour.  Departure  postponed  till 
this  day  week.  Appointed  another  meeting  at  2  P. 
M.,  Lund'?-.  To  Grace  Church  street  to  take  passage 

I     Madame  P.  back  {de  retour).     Very  amiable. 
2.     Monday. 

96 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

to  Camberville.  Coach  being  full  took  seat  on  the 
top;  8  shillings.  Arrived  at  Camberville  at  5.  Dr. 
Lettsome  and  family  in  town,  where  the  dinner  is  to 
which  I  am  invited.  Set  out  to  walk  back,  but  over- 
taken by  stage  and  got  in ;  i  shilling  3  pence. 
Arrived  at  Dr.  Lettsome's  at  6.  They  had  but  that 
moment  sat  down  to  dinner.  Colonel  Elliott ;  Smith, 
avoc.1,  solicitor  to  Board  of  Ordnance ;  Norris,  sur- 
geon ;  Cooke,  physician ;  Temple,  physician.  Very 
gay  and  social.  Dinner  and  wines  excellent.  Norris 
engages  me  to  dine  on  Monday.  To  William  God- 
win's at  yz  p.  9.  At  35  James  street,  [Burr's  residence] 
^  p.  ii.  Y:  Madame  P.;  bruill?  "There  is 
another  source  of  danger."  "  I  know  it."  Sed  faisait. 
1  h.  Bruit.  J'obstinoiP.  [Pas  coucht.  Bkt.  at  6. 
Sor.  y.]4  (Mem.:  Get  from  Lettsome  letter  in  favor 
W.  A.  Hosack.) 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  memorandum  left 
with  Reeves  to  be  shown  to  Lord  Liverpool : 

Whether  I  may  take  one  or  two  companions.  There  are  now 
here  a  number  of  young  Americans  who  would  be  glad  to  accom- 
pany me. 

An  assurance  that  there  will  be  no  restraint  on  my  movements 
from  Heligoland.  I  would  willingly  stay  there  till  it  might  be 
proper  to  go  to  the  United  States,  if  this  government  would  give  me 
proper  patronage  and  introduction. 

Something  to  show  that  I  have  not  imposed  on  the  government 
by  assuming  the  name  of  G.  H.  Edwards. 

Having  in  my  late  letters  engaged  to  my  friends  in  America  to 
wait  here  till  June,  I  ought  to  have  something  to  testify  why  I  now 
leave  the  country. 

1  For  avocat.     Advocate. 

2  For  iro«<7/«,  quarrel,  or  brouilli,  at  variance  with. 

J  For  Sed  [je  la]  faisais.  [cela  dura]  deux  heures  [Du]  bruit.  J  \e  m]  'otstinais.  But  I 
did  it.  It  took  two  hours.  Racket.  I  insisted. 

4  That  which  is  put  in  brackets  in  the  text  was  written  and  crossed  out  by  Burr.  It  reads  : 
Didn't  go  to  bed.  Breakfast  at  6.  Go  out  at  7. 

97 


Private     journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

8.  Pas  couche1.     Breakfast  at  ^  p.  5.     Sor.  at  7. 
To   Q.  S.   P.      To    Reeves's    at    8   to   aid   Hosack ; 
Reeves  not  up.     To  Gilbert's,  shoemaker.     To   209 
Piccadilly;  small  chessmen  and  table,   13   shillings  6 
pence.     To   Reeves's    ^  p.  9  ;  not  up.     Waited  till 
he  got  up  and  gave  him  Dr.  L.'s  letter,  first  taking  a 
copy.      Left  with  J.  R.  also  a  mem.  q.  v.,  about  my  own 
concerns.      He  promised  to  attend  to  both.     Walked 
past  W.  A.  H.'s  prison  for  yz  hour  but  could  not  get 
sight  of  him  ;  called  and  left  message  with  his  keeper. 
To  D.  M.  R.     Slept  2  hours  on  his  sofa.     To  Wedge- 
wood's  ;     paid   25   shillings   for  sundries.      To   Flax- 
man's.     The  Italian  wife  !     To   Achaud's   to   inform 
them  of  the  postponement  of  my  journey.     (Mem.: 
At  3  got  mutton  chop  and  potatoes  at  D.  M.  R.'s.) 
Mem.:   On  leaving  35  James  street  bid  dom.  to  get 
something  for  my  dinner  at  6,  and  to  buy  coal,  &c. 
At  6  at  Madame  Onslow's.     T:  Tea  and  two  games 
chess,  &c.     Par.  a  io2.     At  1 1  chez  D.  M.  R.;  alone. 
Couche  on  his  sofa. 

9.  Couche  at  i.     Lev.  at  8.     After  breakfast  went 
to  Q.  S.  P. 

10.  Dined   with    Norris,    surgeon   Old  Jewry. 
The    guests  were   all    athlete  and    the    same    as   at 
Lettsome's  on  Friday,  with  the  addition  of  Dr.  Vaux 
and  Dr.  Babington  ;  a  very  social  day.      Dr.  Bab.  and 
Dr.  Temple  particularly  civil  to   me.     At   9   went  up 
to  take  tea  with  the  ladies,  but  the  stile4  seemed  to  be 

1  For  Je  ne  me  suis  fas  couche.     I  did  not  retire. 

2  For  Partis  a  io.     I  departed  at  io. 

3  Latin.     Athletes. 

4  So  in  the  MS. 

98 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

for  each  sex  to  keep  separate.  Two  of  the  ladies  had 
intelligent  and  social  faces,  but  I  was  obliged  to  con- 
form. Staid  till  10.  Told  Norris  of  my  ostracism. 
Returning,  stopped  at  Godwin's. 

13.  Still  at  D.  M.  R.'s.    Lay  down  at  2.    Slept 
not  a  wink.     At  ^  p.  5  got  up  and  dressed ;  no  fire 
till  7. 

14.  Couche  at  12.     Lev.  at  ^  p.  6.     Breakfast 
at  8.     At  9  came  in  a  note  from  Reeves  (which  had 
been    sent  last  evening  to  Q.  S.  P.)  requesting   my 
attendance  at  his  home  at  10  to  meet  Brooks  and  settle 
the  treaty1.     To  Mallett's  at  9  in  consequence  of  his 
message  of  last  evening.     He  was  not  up,  but  came 
down  presently.     His  zeal  and  interest ;  he  had  been 
both  to  Reeves  and  Beckett  to  remonstrate,  &c.    Took 
coach  to   D.  M.  R.  to  meet  Hosack,  but  he  had  not 
come.       T:    Brooks;     offers    ^100,    which    refused. 
"  Lord  Liverpool  expects  that  you  will  leave  town  this 
day  and  the  kingdom  to-morrow."      Refused  to  go  till 
arrival  of  the  Pacific.     Sent  message  to  Lord  Liver- 
pool.    Further  meeting  agreed  on  at  3  this  day. 

24.  Couche  at  12.  Rose  at  6.  William  Graves, 
who  effected  settlement  with  White.  William  P.  M.; 
Achaud ;  Dumont ;  Lieutenant-Colonel  Mosheim. 
Went  to  Godwin's.  To  Baron  Bunkman,  the  Swedish 
minister,  where  dined.  T:  Captain  Nordenskold  of 

the  Swedish  navy  ;  Mr. and  le  secretaire*.    Off 

at  y2  p.  8.  At  9  to  W.  Godwin's.  Returned  at  10. 
D.  M.  Randolph.  (Mem.:  Hosack  all  day  sick  abed.) 


I     His  agreement  with  the  British  government  whereby  he  was  to  leave  the  country, 
l     The  secretary.     (Secretaire.) 

99 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

At  1 1  went  in  earnest  to  work  writing  letters ;  wrote 
all  night. 

25.  At  6  waked  Hosack  and  set  him  to  work. 
To  Achaud's  both  Monday  and  Tuesday  about  change 
of  money.  Interview  with  Beckett  on  Monday.  Tues- 
day evening  to  Reeves  for  passports.  To  Q.  S.  P.  at  9. 
There  found  the  passport  from  Reeves.  One  hour  with 
J.  B.  Home.  T.  T.  E.  and  Hosack  assisting  in  pack- 
ing. Everything  to  do  at  the  last  moment.  Left  my 
quarters  at  */£  p.  I  to  take  stage  at  Grace  Church  street. 
Stopped  at  W.  G.'s  to  get  the  Coestus1,  which  was  beau- 
tifully executed.  Family  up  to  conge ;  affectionate  conge 
de  tous*.  Arrive  at  stage-house  just  in  time.  Hosack 
with  me.  He  returns,  not  being  ready.  Six  inside. 
Arrive  at  Harwich  at  2  P.  M. ;  seventy-two  miles.  At  4 
had  passed  through  the  forms  at  the  Alien  Office  and 
custom-house.  Wrote  Hosack,  Bunkman,  Lettsome, 
and  Eliza  P.  On  board  at  8,  and  made  sail  immediately. 
His  Britannic  Majesty's  packet,  the  Diana,  Captain 

,  a  sloop  of  sixty  tons.  Fourteen  passengers, 

of  whom  two  dames  and  one  little  girl.  Mrs.  Barnes 
and  Mrs.  Daily,  going  to  join  their  husbands  in 
Sweden.  Great  confusion  settling  berths,  &c.  Fair 
wind,  yet  at  10  cast  anchor!  At  n  turned  in,  being 
the  first  moment  I  had  lain  down  since  rising  at  6 
yesterday  morning. 

27.  On  board  the  Diana  in  Harwich  Bay. 
Under  weigh  at  8.  The  wind  fair,  but  light.  Dull 
sailor. 


I     The  Journal  contains  several  references  to  the   Coestus.     The   reference  is  obscure  and 
uncertain. 
i     An  affectionate  farewell  from  all. 

IOO 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

28.  Wind  N.  E.  and  rose  to  a  gale.  Beating 
all  Friday  and  Saturday.  On  Friday  no  one  at  dinner 
but  captain,  mate,  and  myself.  Friday  evening  (2 8th) 
I  was  taken  seasick.  Kept  bed  all  Saturday  and  Sun- 
day, eating  nothing. 

30.  Wind  N.,  light  and  veering.  Heavy  rolling 
sea.  Caught  two  fine  codfish.  At  4  P.  M.,  wind 
came  round  to  S.  W.  Ran  all  night  before  the  wind, 
about  6  knots. 

May  i,  1809.  Rose  at  4.  Well  and  hungry. 
Shaved,  changed,  &c.,  and  got  breakfast  at  6.  At  noon 
supposed  we  had  made  250  miles  from  Harwich; 
about  half  our  passage.  Wind  fair  all  day ;  average 
about  five  knots.  At  night,  though  clear  and  a  steady 
light  breeze  from  S.  W.  took  in  all  sail  except  main- 
sail, a  r  Angloise1. 

2.  Wind  all  night  good,  and  still  on.  Two 
sprightly,  sensible  women  on  board,  Mrs.  Daily  and 
Mrs.  Barnes,  going  to  join  their  husbands,  who  are  in 
Sweden.  Mrs.  B.  has  a  very  fine  little  girl  about  4 
years.  I  took  possession  of  the  long  boat.  Made  a 
sort  of  lounging  place,  where,  with  an  umbrella,  I 
read  much  at  my  ease ;  taking  no  notice  of  any  one, 
not  even  les  dames.  My  territories  were  invaded  yes- 
terday by  Madame  D.  Reads  remarkably  well,  and 
is  indefatigable.  Read  to  me  all  M'lle  Wollstone- 
craft's  "  Tour  through  Sweden,"  and  the  greater  part 
of  Sheridan's  "Revolution  of  1772."  Madame  B. 
has  been  some  years  in  Russia.  Shipwrecked  on  the 

I     For  a  fanglaise.     After  the  English  fashion. 

101 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Russian  coast  lately  on  her  way  to  England.  Passed 
through  a  variety  of  adventures.  Played  much  at 
chess  with  Captain  Nordenskold,  of  the  Swedish  navy, 
who  is  rather  my  superior  at  chess.  Wind  still  good. 
At  5  we  saw  the  church  and  lighthouse  of  Gotten- 
burg1,  on  the  shore.  Entered  the  harbour  at  12. 
Anchored  at  the  lower  town.  Sent  up  our  passports 
by  the  captain.  At  2  came  on  board  the  two  hus- 
bands of  the  ladies.  Both  prepossessing  appearance 
and  manners.  Permission  came  by  a  custom-house 
officer  to  land ;  our  baggage  to  be  taken  to  the  cus- 
tom-house. Went  in  custom-house  boat  with  several 
of  the  passengers,  being  nearly  two  miles  to  the  city. 
Enter  the  canal  of  the  main  street.  Our  baggage  all 
passed  without  any  troublesome  search.  Trunks 
merely  opened  for  form.  My  sack,  the  article  about 
which  I  was  most  apprehensive  of  trouble,  on  account 
of  the  books  it  contained,  passed  without  opening. 
But  my  large  trunk,  containing  all  my  clothes,  is 
missing.  I  sent  by  the  captain  M'Donnaugh's  letter 
to  Malm  etji/s*,  with  a  note  requesting  them  to  pro- 
vide me  a  lodging.  While  at  the  custom-house,  a 
brother-in-law  of  Malm  came  from  him  to  show  me 
my  lodgings.  Smith,  the  British  consul,  hearing  that 
I  had  a  letter  for  him  from  Colonel  Mosheim,  came 
also  to  tender  his  services.  Mr.  Oppenheim,  of 
Memel,  merchant,  fellow  passenger,  very  civil. 
Offered  me  a  room  at  his  quarters,  which,  fool-like,  I 
did  not  accept.  Alas  !  my  trunk,  my  trunk  !  My 


For  Gothenburg.     In  Swedish,  Gotcborg,  Goth-city. 
And  son. 


IO2 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

lodgings  very  commodious.  Three  large  rooms  well 
furnished,  but  not  a  creature  in  the  house  speaks  one 
word  of  any  language  of  which  I  have  the  slightest 
knowledge.  Made  my  landlord  understand  that  I 
wished  to  go  to  the  theatre.  He  went  with  me. 
Paid  for  two  seats  in  the  pit,  the  boxes  being  all  full. 
All  pantomime  to  me.  Much  amused  with  two 
young  girls  in  boys'  clothes,  tight  pantaloons  and 
short  waistcoats,  one  of  whom  played  admirably. 
The  ballet  and  pantomime  amusing  enough  by  force 
of  novelty.  Two  good  dancers.  One  of  each  sex. 
Malm's  young  man,  seeing  me  in  the  pit,  got  me  a 
place  in  the  box.  Out  at  10.  Got  home,  but  could 
not  make  my  host  understand  that  I  wanted  a  dish  of 
tea.  After  labouring  in  vain  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour, 
was  obliged  to  take  him  out  to  the  house  of  a  French- 
man, who  spoke  Swedish,  and  who  explained  for  us. 
Tea  was  got  very  cheerfully.  A  long  pipe  and 
tobacco.  My  bed  had  a  single  light  coverlet,  not 
heavier  than  a  sheet.  No  other  covering.  But,  being 
quilted  down,  found  it  very  warm.  Mem. :  While  at 
the  custom-house,  Captain  Nordenskold  brought  and 
introduced  to  me  his  brother,  a  lieutenant  of  artillery, 
and  desired  him  to  devote  himself  to  me.  The  Lieu- 
tenant speaks  a  few  words  of  French,  but  no  English. 
4.  The  tea  kept  me  awake  till  4,  and  I  had 
ordered  the  host  to  wake  me  at  7,  which  he  did  most 
punctually,  and  I  got  up.  Dressed  as  well  as  could 
be  without  my  trunk,  and  breakfasted.  Not  in  good 
order.  Lieutenant  N.  came  in  to  tender  himself. 


103 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

We  walked  to  Malm's  ;  to  Consul  Smith's ;  to  book- 
seller's ;  to  the  custom-house.  No  news  from  the 
trunk.  At  2  the  Lieutenant  took  me  to  a  coffee- 
house to  dine.  A  public  table.  A  bill  of  fare  pro- 
duced, and  each  guest  orders  what  he  likes,  which  is 
brought  him  on  a  plate,  with  bread  and  napkin.  We 
drank  porter.  Paid  and  Lieutenant  remercied1.  Met 
here  the  captain  and  mate  of  the  Diana.  Both  swear 
the  trunk  is  not  on  board  !  The  mate  agreed  to  meet 
me  at  7  at  Todd's,  at  the  landing.  Walked  there 
with  the  Lieutenant,  one  and  a  half  miles.  The  mate 
not  there.  Took  punch  and  pipe,  and  walked  on  a 
mile  and  a  half  further.  Met  the  captain  on  return. 
Still  insists  that  the  trunk  was  put  into  the  custom- 
house boat.  The  steward  says  the  same.  Engaged 
Smith  and  Malm  to  aid  in  search.  Home  at  9.  Tea. 
Coucbe  10. 

5.     Yesterday  the   Lieutenant  took  my  passport 

to  show  to  the  Commandant,  Col. ,  and  to  the 

police.  It  was  returned,  the  production  being 
endorsed  by  both.  At  the  instance  of  the  Lieutenant, 
also,  I  went  yesterday  with  him  to  pay  my  respects  to 
the  Commandant.  A  very  awkward  visit.  He  did 
not  ask  me  to  sit  down.  A  stout,  square  man  of  55, 
speaking  tolerable  French.  As  the  packet  will  sail 
to-morrow  for  Harwich,  and  the  mail  closes  this  even- 
ing at  5,  wrote  a  postscript  to  my  letters  to  T.  B.  A. 
and  a  letter  to  W.  Graves  about  my  trunk,  enclosing 
to  him  the  two  letters  for  T.  B.  A.  and  a  letter  to 


I      A  French  verb,  remercier,  to  thank,  anglicized  by  Burr.     Thanked. 

IO4 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr  . 

Bellington,  the  agent  of  aliens  at  Harwich  —  a  civil- 
looking  animal  —  also  about  the  trunk.  Not  only  all 
my  clothes,  but  my  four  letter-books,  gone,  gone  ! 
Went  to  Smith  and  Malm  to  urge  them  to  search  ; 
but  it  is  probable  that  my  trunk  never  left  Harwich. 
At  5  went  to  Smith's  to  give  my  letters,  and  lo,  his 
young  Swede  had  found  my  trunk  on  board  the 
Diana  !  Huzza  !  Went  to  the  same  cdffee-house  to 
dine.  Salmon,  potatoes,  wine  and  water,  cheese  and 
butter,  y2  rix  dollar1.  Went  with  my  Lieutenant  to 
hunt  a  carriage  (a  sort  of  cabriole),  of  which,  it  is  said, 
one  must  be  bought.  To  bookseller's  ;  bought  a 
map,  2  rix  dollars.  Mr.  Hedboom  and  the  Russian 
mineralogist  called,  and  proposed  to  journey  to 
Stockholm.  Hedboom  has  a  carriage  which  will  hold 
three.  As  he  is  a  Swede,  and  speaks  tolerable 
English,  this  is  a  most  acceptable  overture.  Neither 
Malm  nor  Smith  has  called  on  me,  or  offered  any 
hospitality  !  ! 

6.  At  Gotheborg  yet,  which  we  write  Gothen- 
burg. Breakfast  at  8.  Sor.  to  Malm's,  where  learn 
that  an  English  packet  from  Harwich  arrived  last 
evening.  Walked  to  the  landing,  i  miles,  with  Hed- 
boom. On  board  the  packet  found  Hosack.  Took 
my  trunk  from  on  board  the  Diana,  and  came  up  in 
a  boat,  rowed  by  two  boys,  with  Hosack.  Paid  % 
rix  dollar.  My  trunk  passed  and  taken  home.  Noth- 


105 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

ing  demanded  at  the  custom-house.  I  was  permitted 
to  give  a  few  copper  pieces  to  the  under  officers.  The 
principal  expressed  great  indignation  at  learning  that  I 
had,  on  the  former  occasion,  paid  a  guinea  to  a  person 
whom  I  supposed  to  be  the  custom-house  officer,  but 
who,  it  is  found,  is  a  broker.  On  my  return  home, 
sent  for  that  broker  and  got  back  my  guinea,  paying 
him  2  rix  dollars  for  his  trouble,  viz.,  coming  on 
board  the  packet,  getting  a  boat  for  us,  and  attending 
us  to  the  custom-house.  Showed  Hosack  to  the 
quarters  of  Hedboom,  where  he  got  a  room,  and  is  to 
go  with  us  to-morrow.  We  are  to  set  off  at  7  to- 
morrow morning. 

11.  Stockholm   at    10.     Were  detained    at  the 
gate  about  an  hour  by  the  custom-house  officers,  but 
they  were    not   unreasonable    or    troublesome.     The 
trunks  not  unpacked.     All  the  taverns  and  hotels  full. 
Through  the  good  offices  of  our  good-natured  fellow- 
traveler,  Mr.  Hedboom,  we  got  beds  at  the  house  of 
an  obscure  mechanic  in  an  alley  near  the  Exchange. 
The   approach  to   Stockholm   was   nothing    striking ; 
nothing  to  indicate  an  approach  to  the  capital.     No 
view  of  the  town,  but  it  was  dusk. 

12.  Rose  at  6.    At  10  to  Professor  Gahn's,  who 
was    out.     Saw   his  wife,  who   speaks   French.     Left 
with  her  the  letter  from  the  consul,  H.  Gahn.     Re- 
turning, called  on  the  Count  or  Baron  Munck,  Gover- 
nor   of  the   Palace,  and  having    apartments    therein. 
Was  in   his  court  dress,  with   the   Spanish  cloak.     A 
handsome    man,  and    has    the    air    of  a  man   of  the 

1 06 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

world.  Left  the  letter  of  Colonel  Mosheim.  At  i 
called  on  Baron  Armfelt  with  the  letter  of  Baron 
Bunkman.  The  Baron  a  good,  firm,  soldierly  appear- 
ance ;  might  pass  for  50,  but  must  be  older.  Took 
dinner  at  an  ordinary.  Fish,  potatoes,  pudding,  bread, 
butter,  cheese,  and  brandy  and  wine,  3  shillings  ster- 
ling. In  the  evening  Hedboom  came  in,  and  asked 
us  to  dine  to-morrow.  Professor  Gahn  called  on  me 
in  the  forenoon,  and  engaged  me  to  dine  on  Sunday. 
The  hour,  in  both  cases,  y2  p.  2. 

13.     Coucbe  at  i.     Rose  at  6.    To  a  bookseller's  ; 

bought  map  of  Stockholm.     At  1 1   called  on 

with  the  letter  of  Achaud.  Mr.  C.,  a  good,  respectable- 
looking  merchant.  Appeared  much  indisposed.  His 
head  bound  up.  On  Mr.  Wennerquiest,  with  the 
letter  of  Colonel  Mosheim.  A  house  very  hand- 
somely furnished.  Many  fine  paintings.  Is  a  wealthy 
broker.  Proposed  to  walk  with  me  to  several  places. 

At  12  we  went  to  the ,  where  is  the  Society  of 

Nobles.  He  inscribed  my  name,  which  gives  me  the 
freedom  of  the  house.  Very  magnificent  apartments. 
A  hotel  ;  a  public  table,  where,  at  a  moderate  price, 
the  members,  or  one  introduced,  may  dine ;  see  all 
the  newspapers,  &c.  Thence  to  the  gardens,  where 
walked  an  hour.  Pas  beaucoup  de  monde1.  It  is  yet 
cold.  At  yz  p.  2  to  Hedboom's  to  dine.  T:  His 
wife  and  her  sister,  M'lle  Poussett ;  two  very  pretty 
women,  but,  malbeureusement1,  speaking  nothing  but 
Swedish ;  Mr.  Heuland ;  two  clerks  of  Mr.  H.,  and 


I     Not  many  people, 
z     Unfortunately. 


107 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Hosack.  Before  dinner,  brandy,  bread  and  cheese, 
salt  herring,  cut  into  small  pieces  and  handed  round. 
Fish,  then  soup,  then  bouilli  and  roti1;  good  claret,  of 
which  the  ladies  partook.  TrinquF.  All  rose  at  once 
from  table.  Bows  and  salutations.  Coffee  served 
immediately.  Then  open  rooms,  third  story.  At 
7  came  off  with  Heuland  and  Hosack.  Chez  nous. 
The  adventure.  Frederica.  The  bath  in  the  fore- 
noon. Couche  12. 

14.  Wennerquiest  said  I  must  positively  change 
my  lodgings  ;  that  they  are  not  reputable.       Went  to 
look  at  chambers.     Ten  rix  dollars  asked  for  such  as 
could  be  had  for  a  guinea  in  London.     To  the  post- 
office,  which  is  open  on  Sunday.    Letters  are  called  for, 
and  not  sent  out.     At  *^  p.  2  to  Gahn's  to  dine.     Wife, 
daughter,  and  niece,  two  brothers  ;  the  member  from 
Fahlun3   and  the    Colonel ;    a  cousin,   Diedron,  very 
handsome  young  man ;   Mr.  Foster,  the  British  charge 
d'affaires.     At    7    to    the    ball    with    Colonel    Gahn. 
Country    dances ;     how    managed ;    va/se4;    cotillions. 
Met    Armfelt ;    his    apologies.       Captain    Baker    or 
Becker  of  the  British  navy.      Couche  12. 

15.  Rose  at   8.       Un  peu   stupide5  with   Gahn's 
good  wine.      Breakfast  at  9.     At  1 1  sor.  to   Gahn's  ; 
saw    the    family.      He   also    came    in.      To    Colonel 
Gahn's.       Walked    with    him    and    Hosack    to    the 
Observatory.      The  views,  the  pictures.     Dinner  at 
the  French  Hotel  with  Colonel  Gahn,  Hosack  being 

1  Boiled  meat  and  roast  meat.     (Roti.J 

2  Glasses  were  touched  in  drinking.     (Trinqui.) 
j     Now  Falun. 

4  Waltz. 

5  Rather  stupid. 

108 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

engaged  to  dine  at  the  Merchants  Society  with  Hed- 
boom.  After  dinner  walked  to  see  the  College.  The 
gardens  and  park  extensive,  and  the  trees  fine.  Met 
the  Countess  C.  and  her  niece.  Took  tea  with  her. 
Madame  often  folk1.  T'ous  deux*  speak  in  French  and 
M'lle  some  English.  The  Baron  W.  Music. 
Politesse  de  Madame*. 

1 6.  Having  very  mal  apropos4  taken  a  little 
physic  last  evening,  it  kept  me  up  till  5  ;  took  cold, 
lay  till  9,  and  rose  quite  ill.  While  I  was  in  bed 
Baron  Munck's  servant  called  and  left  the  Baron's 
card  (peuf  etre  a  visit  a  la  Suedoise*},  and  inquired 
whether  I  was  engaged  for  Friday.  An  hour  after  he 
returned  with  an  invitation  from  the  Baron  and  Bar- 
oness to  dine  on  Friday,  which  accepted.  At  10 
Baron  Armfelt's  servant  called  to  ascertain  where  I 
lodged.  No  message.  Colonel  Gahn  came  in  at  1 1  ; 
sat  half  an  hour.  Sor.  at  12.  To  Wennerquiest's, 
whom  I  met  at  his  door.  Strolled  about  for  an  hour. 
Then  to  Colonel  Gahn's,  and  took  him  to  introduce 
me  to  Catteau6,  whom  we  found  at  home.  A  sprightly, 
well-bred  man,  apparently  not  more  than  48.  His 
congregation  being  principally  dispersed,  he  proposes 
to  return  to  Paris.  Is  now  engaged  in  writing  a  View 
Physique  et  Commercial1  of  the  Baltic,  which  will, 

I  Frolicsome. 

a  For  toutes  Us  deux.     Both  of  them. 

3  Madame's  politeness. 

4  Inappropriately.  , 

J     Possibly  (feut-etre)  a  visit  after  the  Swedish  fashion.     (./?  la  luidoiie.) 

6  Jean  Pierre  Guillaume  Catteau-Calleville  (1759-1819)  was  a  historian  and  geographer  of 
some  repute  whose  life  was  spent  partly  in  Stockholm  and  partly  in  Paris.     For  some  years  he 
was  minister  of  the  French  Reformed  Church  of  Stockholm.     He  also  became  a  member  of  the 
Royal   Academy  and  of  the  Academy  of  Sciences  of  that  city.     His  written  works  referred 
mainly  to  Scandinavian  countries. 

7  A  physical  and  commercial  view. 

IO9 


Private     journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

undoubtedly,  be  very  interesting.  He  will  not  pub- 
lish it  until  he  reaches  Paris.  He  had  not  a  copy  of 
his  View  of  Sweden,  nor  have  I  been  able  to  find  one. 
An  imperfect  English  translation  I  brought  with  me. 
Took  a  bowl  of  soup  at  home.  At  6,  went  with 
Hosack  to  introduce  him  to  Professor  Gahn's  family, 
and  to  take  tea.  T:  The  family  (except  the  Doctor), 
two  elderly  ladies ;  a  daughter  of  Gahn  of  Falun. 
Left  Hosack  there  and  came  off  at  8.  Supped  on 
bread,  butter,  and  cheese,  with  porter,  hot  water,  and 
sugar.  M'lle  Gahn  was  engaged  in  making  shoes 
a  la1  Melville.  Eva  Munck,  granddaughter  of  Dr. 
Gahn.  Beautiful  child  of  5.  Writes  a  handsome 
hand.  Couche  at  n,  intending  to  rise  at  5. 

17.  Rose  at  9.  A  charming  spring  day.  At 
1 1  came  in  Wennerquiest,  with  Slade  and  Hartshorne. 
The  latter  left  New  York  on  March  24th.  They  had 
just  arrived  from  London,  by  the  route  of  Harwich 
and  Gothenburg.  To  Colonel  Gahn's,  who  was  in  his 
nightgown,  and  writing.  Took  his  servant  to  pilot  me 
to  the  Marechal  du  Royaume^y  Count  Klingstrop  (or 
near  that),  and  Count  Brae,  governor  of  Gothenburg. 

By  mistake  the  rascal  took  me  to  a  Count  , 

where  I  left  a  card,  supposing  it  to  be  the  marechaL 
Left  cards,  also,  with  the  real  marechal — up  two  flights 
of  stairs.  Spent  half  an  hour  hunting  lodgings. 
Home  at  i.  Heuland  came  in,  and  we  had  three 
games  of  chess.  At  ^  p.  2,  to  the  Society  of  Nobles, 
to  dine  ;  an  elegant,  magnificent  hotel,  where  none  but 


I     After  the  manner  of. 

^     Field-Marshal  of  the  Kingdom  (marechal). 


I  IO 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

the  society,  and  those  introduced  by  a  member,  are 
admitted.  You  meet  persons  of  the  first  distinction  ; 
the  first  officers  of  state,  foreign  ministers,  &c.  A 
variety  of  dishes,  and  dessert ;  and  coffee  served  after 
dinner.  A  billiard  room,  card  tables,  a  news-room, 
all  the  domestic  and  foreign  gazettes,  new  publications, 
&c.,  a  library  beautifully  situated.  Four  of  us  had 
two  bottles  of  French  wine,  and  our  bill  was  2  rix 
dollars  each.  Home  at  5.  Heuland  came  in  and  we 
had  three  games  of  chess.  At  y2  p.  6  to  the  quarters 
of  Slade  and  Hartshorne.  To  the  theatre.  A  com- 
edy and  farce  in  Swedish.  Silence  ;  order ;  not  one 
laugh,  except  Hosack's.  Less  buffoonery  than  in 
England  or  the  United  States.  The  acting  natural 
and  sprightly.  Curtain  continues  up  till  the  end  of  the 
play,  and  again  from  beginning  to  the  end  of  the  farce. 
No  change  of  siene1.  The  same  through  the  whole 
performance.  The  orchestra  good,  and  one  of  the 
women  a  very  fine  voice.  Not  a  light  except  on  the 
stage ;  but  between  the  pieces  a  large  lustre1,  with 
about  twenty  Argand  lamps,  let  down  from  the  ceil- 
ing, so  that  we  could  then  see  each  other.  No  noise, 
even  between  the  pieces,  except  cheerful  talk,  in  the  tone 
of  common  conversation.  The  dresses  very  good.  No 
handsome  or  elegant  women,  but  it  is  said  that  there 
is  one  who  did  not  appear.  A  box  ticket  is  a  rix 
dollar ;  but  the  highest  places  (they  were  all  taken)  a 
dollar  banco1.  At  home  a  little  past  10.  Still  daylight. 


1  So  in  the  MS. 

2  A  fine  chandelier. 

3  A  dollar  in  undepreciated  bank  currency.     See  Glossary. 


I  II 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Read  an   hour  in  Acerbi1.     Smoked  and  journalized. 
Couche  at  i. 

1 8.  Mr.  Gahn,  nephew  of  the  Professor,  and  a 
member  of  the  Diet,  called  before  I  was  up.  Just 
looked  into  my  room  and  went  off.  He  called  again 
at  ii.  Sent  by  Professor  Gahn  to  show  us  lodgings. 
Hosack  went  out  with  him  and  got  suited.  Two 
rooms  at  7  rix  dollars  (one  guinea)  per  week,  firewood 
(which  is  nothing  at  this  season)  included.  Colonel 
Gahn  having  informed  me  that  I  was  this  day  to  be 
presented  to  the  Regent,  dressed  for  the  purpose,  and 
sat  in  state  waiting  for  him  till  2.  Sent  Hosack  to 
see  what  was  the  matter.  The  Colonel  had  gone  out 
early  and  left  no  message.  £hiod  mirum*!  Went  with 
Hosack  to  see  our  new  quarters,  which  are  commodi- 
ous and  decent.  H.  went  to  dine  at  the  hotel.  I 
took  three  eggs  at  home.  At  4  Heuland  called  by 
appointment  to  go  to  see  the  manufacture  de  fayance*, 
about  i  yz  miles.  The  principal  was  out  and  we  saw 
nothing.  Being  near  to  the  Comtesse  C.,  went  on  to 
see  her.  They  were  dressing  to  go  out.  Returned 
alone.  On  the  way  the  Comtesse  overtook  me,  and 
stopped  the  carriage  to  parley.  Reminded  me  of  the 
ball  to-morrow.  M'lle  la  niece  bien  belle  et  bien  mise.4 
Home  at  6,  a  little  weary.  These  stones  fatigue. 
Point  de  trotoir5  and  all  the  pavements  pebbles.  Before 
the  arrival  of  Heuland  this  afternoon  came  in  to  see 


1  Giuseppe   Acerbi    (1775-1846),   an   Italian  traveler   and   naturalist,   author  of   "  Travels 
Through  Sweden,  Finland,  and  Lapland"  (1802.) 

2  Latin.     How  strange ! 

}     Forfajenct  or  faience.     The  faience  manufactory. 

4  The  niece  very  good-looking  and  well  dressed. 

5  For  point  de  trottoirt.     No  sidewalks  at  all. 

112 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Hosack,  by  appointment,  Potter,  an  old  negroe1,  who 
has  married  in  this  place  a  young  lady  of  decent  fam- 
ily. Appears  a  shrewd  old  dog.  About  60.  As 
ugly  as  possible.  Gentlemen  and  ladies  talk  and  walk 
with  him  in  the  street.  On  coming  in  he  laid  aside 
his  Spanish  cloak,  which  is  the  fashionable  costume, 
took  a  chair,  and  sat  near  an  hour.  Heuland  called  at 
7,  and  we  chessed  till  j^  p.  9.  Sent  for  Hedboom  to 
aid  us  to  settle  with  our  landlord.  He  would  have  12 
rix  dollars  per  week  for  rooms  not  worth  4,  and  which 
he  offered  for  6.  Compounded  for  10.  Our  week's 
living  in  this  den  is  3  guineas,  though  we  had  to 
go  abroad  for  our  dinners. 

19.  We  were  up  at  i  last  night  gathering  and 
packing  for  removal  this  morning.  Rose  at  6  and  to 
work  at  packing.  Sent  for  Mr.  Gahn,  the  apotbek*, 
the  son  of  the  member  from  Falun,  to  interpret  and 
assist  in  settling.  At  9  he  came.  Our  host,  deter- 
mined to  make  the  most  of  us,  charged  12  rix  dollars 
per  week  for  the  two  rooms  which  he  would  gladly 
have  let  for  5 ;  12  sch3.  per  day  for  the  servants' 
attendance.  We  finally  settled  at  21  rix  dollars,  10.24 
each.  We  had  breakfast  and  tea  with  them.  Paid  i 
rix  dollar  to  the  boy.  Our  new  quarters,  two  hand- 
somely furnished  and  pleasant  rooms,  with  the  use  of 
a  third  in  common  with  one  other  person,  at  7  rix 
dollars  per  week.  The  rooms  are  worth  double  those 
we  left,  yet  the  price  is  double  what  it  would  be  if  the 

I     So  in  the  MS. 

a  This  word  means  in  Swedish  apothecary's  shop,  not  the  apothecary  himself,  which 
should  be  afotekarc. 

3  Evidently  Burr's  abbreviation  for  the  Swedish  shilling,  a  copper  coin  now  worth  about  a 
cent  in  American  money. 

"3 


Private    J  ourn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Diet1  were  off.  No  person  in  our  new  quarters  speaks 
a  word  of  French  or  English  ;  hence  much  vexation. 
Unpacked  and  settled  ourselves.  At  yz  p.  2  to  dine 
with  Baron  Munck.  T:  The  Baron  et  ux.  and  a  little 
niece  (12),  Professor  Arnt,  and  Dr.  Domcier,  the  Ger- 
man physician  to  the  Duke  of  Sussex,  who  is  here  a 
missionary  for  benevolent  purposes  from  the  Philan- 
thropic Society,  invited,  but  did  not  come.  The 
sideboard  and  brandy  before  dinner.  At  dinner,  eggs, 
and  slices  of  salt  salmon  ;  roast  beef;  fish,  then  soup, 
veal,  and  spinach ;  wild  fowl.  At  table  about  two 
hours,  then  all  rose  together.  Our  bows,  &c.  Ad- 
journed to  the  saloon.  T:  coffee.  At  ^  p.  5  came 
off  with  Professor  Arnt.  On  our  way  he  took  me  to 
the  German  doctor's  (Sussex)  to  introduce  me  ;  out ; 
left  card.  Arnt  came  home  with  me  and  sat  a  while. 
At  6  Mr.  Gahn  (tiev*)  came  to  take  us  to  the  ball. 
Hosack,  not  being  able  to  make  his  toilet,  was  left. 

On   our  way   met   Mr. of  the   City   College, 

who  went  with  us.  Took  boat  (to  save  about  five 
hundred  going  by  the  bridge);  all  these  boats  rowed 
by  women.  Paid  $4  sch.  At  the  ball  about  sixty 
ladies,  (not  so  splendid  as  that  at  the  Exchange) ; 

Countess  of and  her  niece  ;  Baron  Wrangle  ; 

Baron  Armfelt,  who  introduced  me  to  his  daughter, 
the  Baroness  of ,  a  very  fine  woman  ;  a  physi- 
ognomy of  great  intelligence  ;  tres  belle.  La  Baroness 
de  B.  cru  la  plus  belle.  Pas  -par  moi?  M'lle  Sergei  fl. 


1  The  national  parliament,  then  in  session. 

2  For  neveu.     Nephew. 

J     Believed  to  be  the  most  beautiful.     Not  by  me. 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

nat.  du  statuaire1.  Left  the  ball  at  10 ;  mal.  a.  t.  ay  ant 
tro.  bit,?  Hosack  came  in  at  9 ;  left  him  there. 
Home  at  ^  p.  10.  Rbea?  Coucbe  at  u  on  the  can- 
opie4;  can't  endure  the  down  bed. 

20.  Rose  at  5.  Gueri  de  mal  a  T.  mats  pas  bien.s 
A  servant  recommended  by  Gahn  as  speaking  English. 
He  asked  a  dollar  banco  per  day.  Sent  off.  I  could 
not  understand  a  sentence  he  said  in  any  language. 
Mr.  Bergstrom  of  the  City  College  came  in.  Walked 
with  him  ^  hour.  Went  to  Professor  Arnt's,  whom 
saw.  He  proposes  to  walk  with  me  on  Sunday  to  see 
some  objects  of  curiosity.  A  note  from  Professor  (Dr.) 
Gahn  asking  H.  and  me  to  dine  on  Monday ;  agreed. 
Home  at  i.  H.  out.  Slept  on  the  can.4  two  hours. 
Read  one  hour  in  Acerbi.  Tea  at  6  pour  dine6.  Great 
vexation  to  make  myself  understood  par  Madame  ou  la 
jolie  jungfru1.  Professor  Arnt  came  in  from  Baron 
Munck  to  ask  me  to  dine  at  Haga  (sa  campagne*}  on 
Monday,  but  was  engaged  to  Gahn.  Amus.  av.jungf. 
deux  heur.  'Tres  b?  H.  came  in  at  n,  having  dined 
at  the  country  house  of  Wennerquiest,  where  met 
Slade.  Invitation  to  me  was  sent  but  not  received  in 
season.  Captain ,  adjutant,  called  in  the  fore- 
noon and  amused  me  with  details  of  the  disposition  of 
the  Swedish  forces  and  those  of  Russia  which  are  on 
the  frontier.  Great  vexation  about  the  key.  A  trav- 

I  Miss  Sergei,  natural  daughter  [flit  naturelle]  of  the  statuary. 

Z  For  mal  a  la  tete,  ajant  trof  bu.     Headache  from  having  drunk  too  much. 

3  Probably  meant  for  Latin  of  rhubarb.     See  Glossary. 

4  For  canafi.     Sofa. 

5  Cured  of  headache,  but  not  well. 

6  Pour  dine  or  diner.     For  dinner. 

7  By  madame  or  the  pretty  maid.     From  now  on  Burr  talks  much  of  the  jungfrus. 

8  His  country-house. 

9  For  m'amusai  avec  la  jungfru  deux  heures.     Trts  bien.     Had  fun  with  the  jungfru  (maid) 
for  two  hours.     Fine  ! 

"5 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

erse  Yantichambre.     U.  muse  venoit.     Ne  saur.  renvoir1. 

21.  Couche  at  12.     Rose  at  5.      Breakfast  at  7. 

Mr. ,  a  military  officer  and  very  gentlemanlike  ; 

speaks  French  and  English ;  has  been  at  Paris,  &c., 
came  in  at  1 1 .     We  walked  together  to  hear  Catteau 
preach.     The  service  was  nearly  concluded  before  we 
got  there.     The  congregation  consisted  of  nine  women 

and  thirteen  men.     Walked  with to  the  King's 

Garden   (or  Vauxhall);  full  of  monde*.     Home  at   i. 
Catteau  came  in  and  sat  half  an  hour.     Pleasant,  cheer- 
ful, and  instructive.     Tea  at  6  pour  dine.     H.  went 
out  at  i  and  returned  at  10.       Passed  the  evening  seul 
reading  Acerbi. 

22.  Couche  at  12.      Rose  yz  p.  6.     Breakfast  at 
8.     Always  sweet  rye  bread  and  very  bad  butter,  of 
which  the  pound  will  last  us  a  month.     Have  eaten 
nothing,  nothing  but  this  bread,  since  Friday.      At  1 1 
called   on    Hartshorne  and  Slade  ;   then  home.      Dr. 
Domcier,  physician  to  Duke  of  Sussex  and  physician  to 
his    B.    M.2  for  Hanover,  called  during  my  absence. 
This  is  the  missionary  of  the  Philosophic  Society  of 
London.     Heuland,  and  soon  after,  Charles  Forsfell, 
lieutenant  topographe^^  called  ;  though  we  were  dressing, 
both  sat,   and   we   continued   our   toilet.     Agreed   to 
meet  the  Lieutenant  at  6  in  the  King's  Garden.     At 
24  p.  2  to  Dr.  Gahn's  to  dine.     We  were  late.     Dinner 
was  on  the  table.     T:  J.  G.  Gahn  ;   Madame , 

I  Probably  for  a  travers  rantichambre.  U  muse  Venait.  Ne  saurais  [la]  renvojer.  Across 
the  hall,  maid  muse  came.  I  couldn't  send  her  back.  (The  word  muse  is  used  throughout 
the  Journal  by  Burr  in  describing  his  amorous  adventures.  The  literal  meaning  in  French 
is  "  the  beginning  of  rutting  time."  He  evidently  uses  a  very  unusual  word  for  the  purpose  of 
veiling  his  meaning.) 

z     People. 

3  Britannic  Majesty  >. 

4  Topographer. 

116 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr  . 

jol.1  blonde^  married  fifteen  days  ago  ;  sa  soeur  M'lle 
aussi  belle  et  inter  ess  ante  ;  chev.  brun  enfonce  ; 


louche  la  harpe  superieurement*  ;  their  brother,  a  very 
handsome  and  genteel  young  man.  At  6,  to  the  Gar- 
den to  meet  the  Lieutenant.  He  was  not  there. 
Madame  -  and  M'lle  Gahn  de  Falun  came  in 
with  the  son  and  daughter  of  Dr.  Gahn  ;  walked  with 
them  yz  hour  and  met  the  Lieutenant.  Went  with 
him  to  the  puppet  show  ;  very  well  for  such  a  throng, 
but  very  silly  for  Gamp.  Auprl  a  tres  jo.  U.  Un 
arran.  ft.  mats  manq  ;  ne  scais  par  quoi\  Home  at  9. 
Tea.  Mem.:  Wrote  to  Mr.  Achaud  and  sent  the 
letter  to  Hedboom  to  be  forwarded.  On  coming  to 
Dr.  Gahn's  to-day,  the  little  Eva,  who  speaks  not  one 
word  of  French  or  English,  ran  and  seized  me  around 
the  neck  in  the  most  affectionate  manner.  She  talks 
to  me  a  great  deal,  and  imagines  that  I  understand 
every  word.  She  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and 
interesting  children  I  ever  saw.  The  dinner  was  sump- 
tuous, and  would,  in  any  part  of  the  world,  have  been 
thought  tres  bien.  The  forms,  as  before,  except  that 
soup  followed  immediately  the  salt  herring.  Three  of 
the  ladies  very  sprightly  and  animated  in  conversation. 
An  officer  of  the  rank  of  -  remarked  to  me  that  I 
spoke  French  much  better  than  English,  and  inquired 
which  of  the  European  languages  the  native  language 
of  the  Americans  most  resembled  ! 


1  For  jolie  blonde. 

2  Her  sister,  M'lle  ,  also  fine  looking    and  interesting;    dark  ibrown  hair  ( fond)  ; 
plays  the  harp  in  a  superior  manner. 

J     For  Aufres  une  tres  jolie  U.   [  jungfru  ?] .       Un  arrangement  fait,  mail  man  qua  ;    ne  lais 
fourquoi.     With  a  very  pretty  maid;  an  arrangement  made.,  but  failed  ;  I  know  not  why. 

117 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

23.  Couche  at  12,  but  insomnie1 ;  got  asleep  at  5 
and  slept  till  past  9.     When  I  rose,  H.  had  just  got 
up.     Professor  Arnt  being   expected    at    10,   we   had 
enough  to  do  to  get  dressed  and  breakfast.     He  came 
in  just  after  10.     Our  miserable  breakfast  just  ready. 
Went  with  him  at  1 1  to  the  Palace  to  see  the  pictures, 
the  statues,  and  library.     Passed  there  an  hour.     Home 
at   i.     Slade  and   Hartshorne  came  in  and  sat  a  few 
minutes.     Seven  American  vessels  taken  by  the  Danes. 
At  two  went  to    Hedboom's ;  out.     Thence    to    the 
Bad  Husef;  ordered  water  to  be  heated  and  walked 
out.     Bought  small  piece  of  soap  ;   i  rix  dollar  ;  they 
have  none  but  soft  soap  at  the  bath.     With  some  diffi- 
culty got  it  ready  by  4.     Two  C7V  to  assist,  rub,  &c. 
Paid  3  rix  dollars  ;  2  fP.     Home  at  */£  p.  5.     Bought 
bread,  3   sch.  ;  cheese,   14  sch.     Tea  pour  dine.     Sor. 
at  8.     To  Dr.  Gahn's.       T:  The  family  and    Don 
Morinos,  the  Spanish  Junta  minister.     Supped  there, 
and  home  at  10.     Mem.:  Baron  Munck  invites  us  for 
Wednesday  to  Haga.      Message  by  Professer  Arnt. 
Agreed  to  go. 

24.  Couche  at  12.     Rose  at  6.     The  supper  at 
Dr.  G.'s  disagreed  with  me.     Not  well  sleep.     Break- 
fast at  8.     At  9  sor.  to  Hedboom's.     Left  him  with 
10  guineas  to  be  changed  into  Swedish  paper.     Pours' i 
un  U.  ba.  eng.  9  c.  sois.    Chez  moi  at  10.     Gahn  came  in 

1  Wakefulness. 

2  For  badhuset.     Swedish.     The  bath-house. 
}     For  jungfrus? 

4  A  riddle. 

5  This  is  a  fair  sample  of  the  sort  of  riddles  frequently  introduced  by  Burr  in  the  Journal. 
They  are  generally  in  French,  in  part,  at  least,  and  consist  largely  of  abbreviations.     This  prob- 
ably stands  for  Poursuivis  une  jungfru  (or  fille)  badine  (or  kanale).      Engagement  four  gee  soir. 
Pursued  a  sportive  (or    common-place)    lass.     Made    an  engagement  with  her    for   9   o'clock 
to-night.     Ba.  may  stand  for  bane,  inferior,  vile. 

118 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

and  staid  an  hour.  Went  with  him  to  Heuland's  to 
introduce  him,  they  being  both  mineralogists.  Found 
Heuland  jy1  and  left  them  together.  Sort  ant*  met  M'lle 
Posse  belle  souer*  de  Hedboom.  Entered  and  talked  a 
few  moments  by  signs.  Qjtell.  esjo4.  Chez  moi  at  12. 
At  i  barouche  fiakre*  to  take  us  to  Haga.  Mr.  Potter 
noir  de  Boston  m'd  id  un  blanche  dJun  fami/le6.  Very 
civil  and  useful.  To  Vieux1  Haga.  T:  The  Baron, 
ux.  et  niece ;  le  General  Baron  C.  de  Morner,  ch.  d  'un 
reg.  de  Hussards*.  Dined  in  the  room  in  which  the 
revolution  of  1772  was  projected  and  matured  by 
Gustavus  III.  The  pavilion ;  three  cabinets  and  six 
stoves  ;  six  canop.9  de  crimson  velvet.  Le  General  si 
bieu  bu.  quil  se  coucbe  ivr.  sur  can.  en  bot.l°  At  dinner 
Gamp  gave  "  Les  Prisoniers  Royaux,""  which  was 
received  by  Baron  Munck  with  inexpressible  sensibility, 
tears,  &c.  Apres  din.  un  promenade.11"  Called  back  to 

meet  the  Countess  of and ,  the  former 

being  her  we  saw  at  Desbero's  ;  belle  femme ;  all  speak 
French  fluently.  The  Prince  and  his  elder  sister  walk 
with  the  two  ladies  of  the  Queen's  suite  to  New  Haga. 
Beautiful  promenade  along  the  lake.  The  temple  ; 
the  pavilion  ;  echo.  Went  through  the  lower  story  of 

1  There. 

2  For  en  sortant.     On  going  forth. 

3  For  telle-soeur.     Sister-in-law. 

4  For  Qu'elle  est  jolie  !     How  pretty  she  is  ! 

5  Note  the  spelling  and   also  the  queer  tautology  !     One   might   as  well  say  in   English, 
coach-coupe  ! 

6  Mr.  Potter,  a  negro  from  Boston,  married  here  a  well-to-do  white  woman.     (Une  blanche 
de  famille.) 

7  Old.     He  speaks  of  both  a  New  Haga  and  a  Vieux  Haga. 

8  General  Baron  C.  de  Morner,  chief  of  a  regiment  of  Hussars.     (Chef.) 

9  For  canapes.     Couches. 

10  For  le  General  eit  si  bien  buveur  qu'il  se  louche  ivre  sur  le  canape  en  bottes.     The  General 
so  much  of  a  drinker  that  he  goes  to  bed  drunk  on  the  sofa  with  his  boots  on. 

11  "The    Royal  Prisoners."     This  probably  referred  to  Ferdinand  VII.,  Baron   Munck's 
father,  then  recently  detained  by  Napoleon  in  France. 

12  A  promenade  after  dinner. 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

the  Palace.  Four  beautiful  rooms.  Picture  of  Gus- 
tavus  III.  To  the  new  Palace.  Magnificent  plan. 
The  model.  The  place  for  the  guard.  Singular  effect 
produced  by  copper  pavilions  and  tents  painted  a  la 
Chinois1.  Back  to  Old  Haga  at  9.  Supper.  The 
Baron  walks  with  us  to  town.  T  arr?  at  y2  p.  10; 
very  light ;  daylight.  Locked  out  and  great  plague  ; 
a  la  fin* y  got  in  but  spoiled  lock.  Paid  for  hack  2^ 
rix  dollars,  the  distance  being  about  two  and  a  half 
English  miles.  The  Hermaph.  stat.4  at  Baron  Munck's. 
Professor  Arnt  restoit  a  Vieux  Haga5.  I'ro.  bu  et  fro. 
mang.  Fum.  till  i6.  Mem. :  On  returning  home 
found  Baron  Armfelt's  card.  The  Prince  is  a  fine  boy 
of  9  ;  eyes  and  forehead  very  good ;  the  lower  part 
not  corresponding.  The  Princess,  7,  not  handsome. 
Neither  of  them  looking  very  healthy.  They  were  in 
a  little  barouche,  drawn  by  four  little  horses.  Near 
the  Palace  saw  the  youngest  Princess,  about  i  year 
old;  pretty.  The  second  daughter,  about  5,  is  a 
cripple. 

25.  Lev.  at  6.  Chauffe1.  Sor.  at  8  av.  dejeun. 
cherch.  bague.  Pas  trouv*.  Ret.  p9.  Heuland  came  in  ; 
took  breakfast  with  us  and  we  played  two  games  chess; 
won  both.  La.  be.  Mar.  Sentm.  su.  le  bag™.  Paid  7 

1  For  a  la  chinoise.     After  the  Chinese  fashion. 

2  For/  arrivons.     We  arrive  there. 

3  Finally. 

4  The  statue  of  Hermaproditus,  the  fabled  son  of   Hermes  and   Aphrodite,  combining  both 
sexes  in  one  body,  and  regarded  as  the  emblem  of  indissoluble  marriage.     There  are  numerous 
statues  of  this  mythological  personage,  «.£.  in  Florence,  Rome,  Naples,  and  Paris. 

5  Professor  Arnt  remained  at  Old  Haga. 

6  For  [7'ai/aij]  trap  bu  et    trof  mangi.      Fumai   till  I.     I  had  eaten  and    drunk    too   much. 
Smoked  till  I. 

7  Probably  for  Je  me  suit  chauffc.     I  warmed  myself. 

8  Went  out  at  8  before   breakfast  looking  for  ring.      Didn't   find   it.     (Son   a-vant  dejeuner 
cherchant  [unt]   bague.  [  Je  ne  la]  trouve  fas.) 

9  For  retournai  a  q.      Returned  at  9. 

10     La  belle  Marie  ;  les  sentiment!  sur  la  bague.     Pretty  Marie;  her  feelings  about  the  ring. 

I  2O 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

rix  dollars  for  one  that  pleased.  Potter  came  in  at  8 
and  staid  till  i.  A  good  fellow.  After  he  and  Hosack 
went  out  settled  for  le  bag ;  tres  cont.  tou.  dtf.  He 
returned  at  */%  p.  2.  Got  from  Hedboom  78.10  rix 
dollars  for  10  guineas,  that  is,  7.40  each.  Paid 
Hosack  16.36,  balance  of  his  account  for  sundries. 
Hosack  sort 'd*  and  I  got  bottle  of  beer,  of  which 
with  bread  and  butter  and  three  eggs  made  a  good 
dinner.  At  6  to  Dr.  Gahn's,  where  met  the  family ; 
la  belle ;  Madame  Wedenberg  and  her  beauti- 
ful daughter.  Pretty  manner  of  saluting.  The  young 
ladies  went  to  walk  au  jardin  du  roi?  Came  home 
at  9. 

26.  Couche  at  %  p.  n.  Rose  at  6.  Mr.  Gahn 
the  younger  of  Falun  came  to  breakfast  with  us. 
Heuland  also  came  in.  At  9  to  Baron  Armfelt's. 
Re$u  tres  grac.4  Proposes  to  arrange  for  my  present- 
ation to  the  Regent.  Will  make  a  visit  for  me  to 
Prime  Minister  by  sending  his  servant  with  my  card ! 
Home  at  10.  Sor.  at  n  to  the  Palace  to  see  Baron 
Munck ;  out,  at  Haga.  In  Palace  yard  met  la  U 
noted  le  22d,  2d  pag.  Don.  addr.s  Chez  nous  at  12. 
Settled  for  our  rooms,  7  rix  dollars  32  sch.;  %  equals 
3.40.  To  the  lodgings  of  Slade  &  company,  where 
met  Slade.  To  dine  at  the  Nobles  Society.  This 
place  is  well  described  by  Acerbi.  Mr.  Andre  there 
and  civil.  Hartshorne  and  Slade.  Hosack  came  in 


1  Settled  for  the  ring.     Very  much  pleased.     The  rest  is  a  riddle.     Possibly  for  toute  douce. 
Very  sweet,  gentle. 

2  Here  Burr  again  turns  a  French  verb  into  an  English  verb.     This  means  Hosack  went  out. 
J     To  or  in  the  King's  garden. 

4  For  Ret(U  tres  gracieusement.     Very  graciously  received. 

5  For  met  la  jungfru  noted  le  aid,  id  page.     Me  donna  son  adretse.     Met  the  maid  noted  on 
the  izd,  2d  page.     She  gave  me  her  address. 

121 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

whilst  here.  Dinner :  Ice  cream,  bottle  of  wine  for 
three ;  bill  i  rix  dollar  24  sch.  each.  To  Mr.  Heu- 
land's.  He  came  home  with  me  and  we  played  chess 
an  hour.  Took  boat  to  go  to  the  theatre  at  Uregong. 
Towed  by  two  old  women  about  i  yz  miles.  Paid  1 2 
shillings  rix.  All  the  watermen  are  women.  What  a 
little  barn  !  Thirty-two  persons  in  the  boxes.  Amused 
with  the  pantomime  and  ballet.  The  site  of  the 
theatre  romantic  and  beautiful.  Returned  at  y%  p.  9 ; 
broad  daylight.  To  read  or  what  you  please.  Re- 
turned across  the  island.  The  King's  ferries ;  pay 
nothing;  gave  2  sch.  at  each.  2  U's.  15.  Render. ;  i 
banco1.  Potter  went  as  our  pilot.  Hosack  returned 
at  10.  Com.  pr.  j  jou.  pas.  silen.  com.  ang.  et 
uncommun2.  Women  are  fishermen  as  well  as  watermen. 
Two  in  a  small  boat,  each  a  line  attached  to  a  small 
stick  in  each  hand  ;  these  they  keep  moving  gently  up 
and  down. 

27.  Couche  at  ^  p.  n.  Rose  at  6.  Hosack 
tre  grav.*  Dejeu.  8*.  Heuland  came  in  ;  chess  for 
two  hours.  Walked  an  hour  before  breakfast ;  to  the 
markets,  &c.  At  1 1  called  on  Baron  Munck ;  made 
arrangements  to  meet  him  on  Tuesday  to  see  the 
Museum  and  the  Palace.  Gahn  nev.5  came  in.  We 
walked  to  see  the  attelier  de6  Sergei.  The  Pshyche7 


1  For  two  jungfrut,  IJ,  rcndex-vous  ;  I  [dollar]    banco. 

2  Another  riddle.     May  it  not  stand  for  :    Comfagnon  four  trois  jouri  f asset  silencieux  tomme 
un  Anglais  et  uncommunicative.    For  the  past  three  days  my  chum  has  been  silent  as  an  English- 
man and  uncommunicative. 

3  For  Hosack  iris  grave.     Hosack  very  solemn. 

4  For  dejeuner  a  8.     Breakfast  at  8. 

5  For  neveu.     Nephew. 

6  The  studio  (atelier)  of  Sergei.     Jean  Tobie  Sergei  was  a  very  celebrated  Swedish  sculptor. 
He  lived  in  Stockholm  until  his  death  in  1814. 

7  So  in  the  MS.     The  Psyche  and  Cupid  was  one  of  Sergei's  best  known  works. 

122 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

and  Cupid ;  the  minister ;  Muse  of  history ;  the 
Mars  carrying  off  Venus,  wounded  and  fainting ;  the 
boy  picking  a  thorn  out  of  his  foot,  and  the  statue  of 
Gustavus  III.  are  works  of  great  merit.  Some  of  his 
copies,  too,  are  fine,  but  the  preceding  are  said  to  be 
original.  In  the  bust  of  Gustavus  III.  a  great  like- 
ness to  Baron  Munck.  The  Queen  who  was  Princess 
of  Baden,  said  to  be  handsome,  but  in  the  bust  very 
defective  in  the  nose  and  mouth.  Sergei  hypocond.1 
and  confined  to  his  room,  seeing  no  company.  Home 
at  2.  Found  waiting,  Bergstrom.  He  offers  to  give 
me  a  lesson  in  Swedish  every  day,  to  which  I  agree. 
A  raw  egg,  bread  and  butter  and  water  pour  boisson, 
pour  dine1".  At  6  to  Dr.  Gahn's  ;  out,  all  out.  Roved 
about  yz  hour.  Home  and  took  tea.  At  8  to  Dr. 
Gahn's  again  ;  all  out.  Hosack  quite  ill  with  a  pain 
in  the  ear.  In  the  morning  called  on  Slade  and 
Hartshorne.  While  I  was  out,  Arvfedson  called  and 
left  card.  This  morning  an  invitation  from  Wenner- 
quiest  to  dine  on  Tuesday,  which  accepted.  Home  at 
9.  Mem. :  Returning  from  Sergei's  parted  with  Gahn 
on  the  bridge.  Sedu.  par  a  laid  vir.  Ent'd.  X'd  2. 
Mauv.  i  R.  D.3 

28.  Couched.  12.  Rose  at  yz  p.  6.  Hosack 
says  he  has  slept  none ;  but  the  swelling  in  his  ear  has 
discharged  and  he  is  better.  Our  valet  did  not  come 
till  y2  p.  8.  Got  our  breakfast  at  8.  No  butter,  and 
being  Sunday,  none  to  be  had.  At  10  came  in  Dr. 

I     For  hypochondriac, 
z     And  water  for  a  beverage  for  dinner. 

3     Probably  seduit  far  une  laide  virago.     Entered,  etc.       Mauvaii.     Led  astray  by  an  ugly 
virago.     Entered.    ed  twice.     Bad.     I  rix  dollar. 

123 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Gahn,  sent  for  medically ;  thinks  the  cure  is  already 
performed.  Sat  an  hour.  Says  the  President  Enger- 
strom,  Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs,  expects  me  to-day. 
Gave  me  his  address  ;  so  dressed ;  took  Potter  and 
sallied  forth  ;  arrived  at  the  Palace  we  found  that  the 
President  did  not  live  there,  though  he  had  hired  the 
house  and  was  expected  there  in  a  few  days.  He  lives 
now  on  the  Stade  Holmen1;  thought  this  very  odd  ; 
did  not  go  to  see  him  lest  the  whole  affair  should  be  a 
mistake  as  well  as  what  regarded  the  residence.  Home 
at  12.  Wrote  to  Dr.  G.  the  failure.  Read  an  hour. 
At  y2  p.  2  walked,  alone,  on  the  Soder  Malm,  the 
island  south  of  this.  (Note :  I  live  on  the  Stade 
Holmen,  119^  Lilla  Nygatan1.)  Sought  the  high 
ground,  but  could  get  no  distant  view,  not  above  two 
or  three  miles.  This  part  of  the  city  very  clean  and 
neat ;  most  of  the  houses  are  white.  Roved  about 
for  two  hours  without  seeing  or  meeting  anything 
remarkable  or  amusing.  Chez  nous  at  yz  p.  4.  At  7 
sor.  again  seul.  Across  the  Palace  bridge,  across  the 
Kung's  Holmen5,  to  the  Transberg's  Bron ;  being 
from  my  lodgings  about  three  miles.  In  the  midst  of 
rocky  eminences,  most  beautiful  verdure  and  bloom. 
Many  pretty  farms  and  country  seats.  This  is  the 
road  to  Drottningholm  where  I  was  to  have  passed  the 
the  day ;  but  the  distance,  being  about  eight  English 
miles,  I  thought  too  great  to  walk  and  return.  The 
wind  strong  ahead  prevented  a  water  passage  and  5  rix 
dollars  was  asked  for  a  horse  and  chair,  which  I  did 


1  For  Stadsholmen.     Swedish.     City  island. 

2  Swedish.     Little  New  street. 

}     For  Kungsholmen.     King's  island. 


I24 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

not  choose  to  give.  Nothing  but  a  tres  bel.  bra.1  at  a 
window,  both  going  and  returning.  Home  at  ^  p.  8. 
Not  a  soul  has  been  near  our  quarters  since  Dr.  G. 
this  morning.  At  2  before  going  out  took  bread,  one 
raw  egg,  and  water.  At  6,  tea,  bread,  butter,  and 
three  eggs  boiled. 

29.  Coucbe  at  12.  Lev.  at  6.  Before  I  was  out 
of  bed  a  servant  of  Armfelt  came  in  with  a  note  from 
him  informing  me  that  there  would  be  a  levee  at  the 
Regent's  at  9  when  I  would  be  presented.  Dressed 
and  went  to  General  A.'s  a  little  before  9,  but  it  seems 
that  I  must  have  a  sword,  chapeau  bra?,  and  buckles  ; 
so  put  off  the  presentation  till  Thursday.  At  n  to 
manufacturer  of  hosiery.  To  d' Aries',  French  emig. 
libraire*,  to  see  about  lodgings.  He  offers  rooms 
which  we  shall  take  principally  for  the  convenience  of 
his  library,  of  which  he  offers  the  use,  and  for  that  of 
being  in  a  family  whose  language  we  can  understand. 
Agreed  to  call  at  4.  Dinner  cbez  mot.  Skropel  et  eau.* 
At  4  to  d' Aries's  ;  raining  hard  ;  agreed  to  send  final 
answer  by  H.  this  evening.  On  the  way  to  D.'s  Vis. 
inv.  pr.  fois  U.  pa.  bi.  jo.  ma.  bi.  fa.  Bo.  suj.  I  r.  d} 
Chez  moi.  at  6.  Coffee,  and  three  eggs  for  supper. 
Mar.  ne.  vin.  pa.6  Hosack  dines  at  the  Society  of  the 
Nobles.  Note  from  Baron  Munck  that  at  1 2  to-mor- 


1  For  tris  beau  bras.     Very   pretty  arm ;  or  possibly  the  last  word  is  bru.  for  brunette,  in 
which  case  it  should  read  une  trts  belle  brunette. 

2  Chapeau.     Hat.     The    reference   of  bra.   is   doubtful.     It   might   mean  brave,  spruce  or 
smart,  or  brodi,  embroidered. 

3  French  emigrant  [emigre],  bookseller. 

4  Probably  for  skorfa  et  eau.     Biscuit  and  water.     The  Swedish  food  sktrfa  was  much  like 
the  German  xwieback  or  the  English  rusk,  a  light,  sweetened  bread  or  biscuit,  browned. 

J  Another  mystery.  May  be  :  Visitai  invite  fluiieuri  fois  une  jungfru  fas  bien  jolie  mail 
bienfaite.  Bon  sujet.  I  rix  dollar.  I  visited  after  repeated  invitations  a  maid  not  very  hand- 
some, but  well  put  together.  A  good  subject.  I  rix  dollar. 

6     For  Marie  ne  vint  fas.     Marie  didn  t  come. 


I25 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

row  he  would  show  the  Palace.  Dr.  Gahn  called  this 
morning,  professing  to  see  H.  Bergstrom  this  P.  M. 
30.  Couche  at  i.  Having  drank  strong  coffee, 
kept  awake  till  4.  Rose  at  y%  p.  7.  At  10  walked  an 
hour.  At  12  to  the  Palace.  Baron  Munck  went 
through  the  whole  with  me.  The  magnificence,  extent, 
and  elegance  of  the  apartments.  Manner  of  seizing 
the  King  y  explained.  At  2  chez  nous.  Slade  and 
Hartshorne  came  in  just  before  3  to  walk  with  me  to 
dinner.  Dinner  chez  Wennerquiest.  Y:  Hartshorne, 

Slade,    Hosack,   ,   a   sensible   Swede   speaking 

English;  ,    a    German    speaking    French    and 

English,  and  a  brother  of  Wennerquiest's.  Dinner 
passed  gaily;  served  aF  Anglois1.  All  drank  much 
and  some  too  much.  Stole  off  at  6.  Home.  Gahn 
neveu  came  in  ;  we  walked  to  d' Aries's.  All  out  to 
Drottningholm,  leaving  a  note  for  me  saying  that  they 
expected  me  and  P  aim  able  sec.z  to  dine  there  at  2.  To 

the  King's  garden.     Fin  de J.     To  Dr.  Gahn's. 

Y:  The  family ;  the  president  of  the  committee  for 
preparing  the  plan  of  a  constitution.  Colonel  G.  came 
in,  but  scarcely  spoke  to  me.  For  the  first  two  days 
he  devoted  himself  to  me  with  great  assiduity,  and 
since  that  time  tout  d'un  coup4  perfectly  cold.  Came 
off  at  8.  Home.  Mem.  :  This  morning  called  on 
Mrs.  Daily  with  whom  I  was  fellow  passanger  from 
Harwich.  Saw  her  and  Mr.  D.  Engaged  me  to  dine 
on  Thursday  next.  Mem.  :  Baron  Munck  gave  me 

1  Notice  his  incorrect  way  of  writing  the  expression  a  ranglaise. 

2  For  I'almable  secretaire.     The  amiable  secretary. 
J     Wine  of ,  or  rather wine. 

4     All  of  a  sudden. 

126 


Private    y  ourn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

the  names  of  five  gentlemen  (holding  office  about  the 
person  of  the  Regent)  whom  I  ought  to  visit  previous 
to  being  presented.  Offered  to  make  the  visits  for  me 
if  I  would  give  him  five  cards,  which  I  did.  The 
visits  will  be  made  by  sending  those  cards  by  a  servant. 
Baron  M.  also  offered  to  introduce  me  to-morrow 
morning  at  9,  to  which  agreed. 

31.  Coucbe  y^  p.  ii.  Rose  at  6.  Unpeu  lourd. 
1"rop  bii  bier1.  At  10  sor.  to  buy  chapeau,  &c.  Was 
asked  25  rix  dollars  for  a  very  indifferent  castor  hat 
and  1 5  rix  dollars  for  one  much  worse ;  the  best  of 
them  not  worth  ^  guinea.  For  a  pair  of  common 
plated  buckles,  3  rix  dollars,  not  worth  2  shillings  6 
pence.  These  are  rather  too  heavy  taxes  to  pay  for 
the  honor  of  visiting  the  Regent.  Baron  Armfelt's 
servant  was  here  at  7  this  morning  with  a  message 
from  the  Baron  that  he  would  meet  me  at  the  Palace 
at  y2  p.  9  to-morrow  morning  to  introduce  me.  Note 
from  Baron  Munck  inviting  us  to  dine  at  Haga  on 
Friday.  Replied  ou'f".  Tried  to  borrow  hat,  but  in 
vain,  ^uoifaire?  Am  committed  to  the  two  barons 
and  to  the  five  gentlemen  in  waiting. 

Stockholm,  June  i,  1809.  The  Journal  has 
been  neglected  since  Wednesday  last,  and  now,  on 
Tuesday  evening,  at  10  at  night,  writing  by  daylight, 
I  sit  down  to  recollect  the  trifling  incidents  of  the  last 
six  days.  Trifling,  indeed !  but  if  the  operations  of 
my  head  and  heart  could  be  delineated,  each  day  would 
fill  a  volume.  Coucbe  at  12.  Rose  at  6.  Full  of 


i     Rather  heavy  (thick-headed).     Drank  too  much  yesterday  (Trap  hu.~). 
a    Yes. 


127 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

business  for  the  levee,  and  am  at  length  accoutred  with 
the  three  deficient  articles  of  buckles,  sword,  and  hat. 
The  buckles  were  bought  for  i  rix  dollar,  being  worth 
about  9  pence.  Sword  borrowed  from  Dr.  Gahn,  and 
hat,  which  was  the  greatest  trouble,  borrowed  by  H. 
from  a  good-natured  French  marcband*.  Baron  M. 
sent  his  servant  last  evening  to  say  that  I  must  be  at 
his  chambers  in  the  Palace  at  ^  before  9.  Went 
punctually  and  found  him  ready.  The  levee  com- 
menced exactly  at  9.  We  were  on  the  spot  at  the 
moment.  You  would  have  laughed  to  see  Gamp  with 
his  sword  and  immense  three-cornered  hat.  We 
waited  one  hour  exactly  before  the  Regent  made  his 
appearance.  He  is  61  years  of  age,  but  appears  much 
older,  and  an  air  use2;  something  like  Mr.  Samuel 
Hatchin's,  only  not  so  tall  by  about  three  inches,  and 
has  a  flat  nose.  Mr.  H.,  too,  has  rather  the  advant- 
age in  point  of  dignity  and  grace.  His  Royal  High- 
ness exchanged  a  few  words  with  me  in  French.  He 
was  in  the  room  about  twenty  minutes.  Spoke  to 
about  fifteen  or  twenty  persons.  A  few  kissed  his 
hand.  There  were  present  sixty-three  persons.  I 
counted  them.  Vice-Admiral  Stedingk  was  particu- 
larly attentive  to  me.  Got  home  at  n,  excessively 
fatigued.  Lay  an  hour  on  the  sofa  reading  Catteau. 
Made  agreement  to-day  with  Mons.  d' Aries  for  one 
room  on  a  first  floor  (which  is  what  we  call  second 
story),  and  the  occasional  use  of  a  parlour  to  receive 
visitors,  and  two  rooms  for  Hosack  in  the  fifth  story 
at  7  rix  dollars  per  week.  Took  tea  at  6  pour  din. 

I     Merchant. 

a    Worn  out  (usi).  T  9  8 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

i.  Couche  at  12.  Rose  at  6.  Set  to  work  to 
packing,  &c.,  as  we  are  to  move  this  morning.  Made 
several  attempts  to  wake  H.,  but  in  vain.  At  8  he 
got  up  and  said  he  would  pack  his  things  in  5  minutes 
and  would  then  help  me.  By  n  I  had  done  and 
went  out,  leaving  him  at  work.  Went  to  d' Aries's, 
where  H.  came  with  the  things  at  i.  On  my  way  to 
D.'s  called  on  U.  and  agreed  to  call  again  at  10  to-night. 
At  2  walked  to  Haga,  about  two  and  a  half  miles,  to 
dine  with  Baron  Munck.  T:  His  beaufrer1,  a  hand- 
some young  man  who  lives  in  Westmania1;  his  name 

is ,  being  the  brother  of  Madame  Munck;  Dr. 

Domcier ;  Mr.  Laing  or  some  such  name,  a  Russian 
merchant ;  Professor  Arnt ;  Baron  Armfelt ;  Munck's 
wife  and  niece,  and  Hosack.  The  dinner  good  and 
cheerful.  After  dinner  we  walked  two  hours  and 
returned  to  tea.  Armfelt,  Domcier,  and  Laing  had 
gone.  After  tea  walked  with  Baron  M.  and  the  rest 
two  hours  again.  Then  came  in  to  supper.  The 
supper  is  a  very  substantial  meal ;  fish,  roast,  fncasses1^ 
&c.  Two  cards  were  received  by  the  Muncks  whilst 
I  was  there  announcing  the  death,  one  of  a  husband, 
the  other  of  a  father,  both  concluding  with  this  cau- 
tion, "  Condolences  are  not  received."  Came  off  at 
YZ  p.  10  with  Professor  Arnt  and  Hosack.  Home  at 
yz  p.  ii.  Sor.  at  12  to  U.  Fredrick4,  suiv  arrgt.* ; 
heard  several  voices ;  frappf  and  off.  Professor  Arnt's 


1  For  beau-frtre.     Brother-in-law. 

2  For  Westmannia  or  Westmanland,  an  old  province  of  Sweden. 

3  Forfricatties.     Fricassees. 

4  Elsewhere  Burr  refers  to  this  personage  as  Frederica. 

5  For  suivant  V 'arrangtment.     According  to  arrangement. 

6  Knock. 


129 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

opinion   that   all  women  ought   to  be  shut  up   as  in 
Persia. 

3.  Couche  at  12.     Rose  at  7.    T'ro.  bu.    Pas  bien1. 
Sor.  before  breakfast  to    U.    Fredrick ;    i    rix   dollar. 
Tro.  us?.     Breakfast    at   9.     Read   a   romance,   "  Les 
Amour  de  Daphnis  et  Cloe*"  traduit  du  Grec  de  Longus 
•par  Arryot4.     This  romance  is  supposed  to  have  been 
written   after   that    of   Heliodorus   ("Theagenes   and 
Chariclea").      Dined  on  sugar,  water,  and  bread.     A 
promenade   seul  to    Kongl.  Djur  Garden5,   about  two 
miles.     Returned  sans  aventureb.     Tea  at  9. 

4.  Couche  at  ii.     Rose  at  */%  p.  5.    Dejeun.7  at  7. 
Read  variously  and  desultorily.     Eau  sue.  et  pain  pr. 
din?     At   6   set   out   for   Lisbon   Hill,  where   we   are 
invited  by  Wennerquiest  to   a  musical  party.     Very 
much  amused  on  the  way  to  see  the  mode  of  passing 
Sunday.     Vast    numbers    of  both    sexes    engaged    in 
various  sports.     Fiddles  and  other  musical  instruments. 
Dancing  parties  in  many  houses.     Always  a  comedie9 
on  Sunday.     Went  half  a  mile  beyond  the  house  of 
W.  before  I   could  ascertain  where  it  was.     At  length 
found  it.     He  was  in  town.     One  Swedish  servant  only 
at  home.     No  preparation  for  any  party.     Returned 
home   at  9  and  took  coffee,  wondering  at  this  disap- 
pointment.    Note:   In  the  forenoon  called  on  Madame 
Daily. 

1  Had  drunk  too  much  and  did  not  feel  well. 

2  Too  much  used  up. 

3  So  in  the  MS. 

4  "  The  Amours  of  Daphnis  and   Chloe,"  translated  from  the  Greek  of  Longus  by  Arryot. 

5  See  Glossary. 

6  Without  adventure. 

7  For  dejeuner.     Breakfast. 

8  For  Eau  sucr'ee  et  fain  four  diner.     Sugar-water  and  bread  by  way  of  dinner. 

9  For  com'edie.     Comedy. 

IJO 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

5.  The  coffee  kept  me  awake  all  night.     At  3 
or  a  little  before,  walked  out  to  see  the  sun  rise  at  3. 
A  beautiful  horizon  from  the  Observatory  hill.     Got 
my  breakfast  at  6.     During  the  night  formed  a  plan 
for  return  to  the  United  States.     Full  of  it  all  day. 
New  Jersey  was  to  be  my  location.     This  forenoon 
saw  Hosack  for  the  first  time  since  living  at  this  house. 
He  had  been  charged  by  Wennerquiest  to  tell  me  that 
the  party   intended   for   Sunday   was   postponed,  but 
omitted  to  do  it.     Breakfast  as  usual,  with  the  addition 
of  a  salt  herring.     Din.  eau  et  pain.1     Sor.  at  3.      Une 
blan.  jeun.  jo.  embon.1',     i  rix  dollar.     Read  desultorily 
and  sans  objet  que  distraire?     Hartshorne  came  in  P. 
M.  and  a  game  of  chess. 

6.  Couche  at   n.     Lev.   at   6.     At  7   came  in 
Mari  de  Lil.  Ny.  gat.4  about  some  demands  of  the  lady. 
A  very  seasonable  visit ;   i  rix  dollar.  The  demands  left 
unsettled;  will  call  on  Thursday.     The  proclamation 
of  the   new   King ;  great  show ;   heralds ;    trumpets ; 
music;  military,  &c.     Mot5  in  the  midst  enticed  off 
by  a  lit.  brun.6 ';  2  rix  dollars.     This  day  we  receive 
news   of  the   new   arrangement   between   the    United 
States    and    Great    Britain ;    the   proclamation   of  the 
President  opening  intercourse  with  Great  Britain. 

7.  Note  from   Laing,  the  Russian  merchant,  to 
remind  me  of  the    dinner  to-day   at  Albino — Cravi 
Tiske  or  royaume  des  ecrivisses.1     Walked,  being  about 

1  Bread  and  water  for  dinner. 

2  Foran«  blanche  jeunejolie   [femme].     Embtnfoint.    A  pale,  pretty,  young  woman.  Plump. 

3  And  without  other  object  than  amusement. 

4  Swedish  for  Little  New  Street.     (Lilla  Njgatan.) 

5  I. 

6  A  little  brunette  f 

7  Kingdom  of  the  crabs.     Burr's  words  Cravi  Tiske  may  represent  the  Swedish  word  Krabh- 
tasia,  Crabs.     The  restaurant  may  have  received  that  nickname  from  the  fact  that  a  specialty 
was  made  of  crawfish. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

two  miles ;  a  most  beautiful  and  picturesque  prome- 
nade. T :  About  twenty,  /.  e.,  ten  of  each  sex.  A 
very  expensive  and  splendid  dinner.  Baron  Stedingk, 
late  minister  to  Russia,  fern,  and  two  children.  £7Y  10 
and  13  and  leur  gouvernante1 ;  the  elder  fille1  intelligent 

and  well  educated.      La  gouvernante  M'lle jol. 

et  interesting.     Madame  ,  two  daughters  and  a 

son ;  the  daughters  both  handsome ;  belle  embonp*. 
Mr.  Phillipson  et  ux.;  a  very  amiable  woman,  30 ;  the 
secretary  of  Stedingk,  a  well-informed  young  man  ; 
Dr.  Domcier ;  his  singular  position  that  in  England 
there  were  3,000  to  a  square  mile  ;  Mr.  Foster,  the 
British  charge  d'affaires.  1"ro.  bu  and  stole  off  alone 
at  9.  Note  :  The  wife  of  the  vice-admiral,  Stedingk, 
has  several  sisters  of  much  renown. 

8.  Couche  at  12.  Lev.  at  6  un  peu  lourd*. 
Mari  came  in  at  7  to  settle  accounts  ;  2  rix  dollars. 
Sor.  at  1 1  with  Dr.  Gahn,  who  called  to  invite  me  to 
go  and  see  the  show.  All  the  troops,  as  well  militia 
as  regulars,  under  arms,  to  be  sworn  to  the  new  King 
and  constitution.  Sworn  by  regiments  and  by  word 
of  command.  Immense  concourse  of  people  of  all 
sexes  and  ages.  The  King  rode  about  on  horseback, 
saluting  and  saluted.  At  2  chez  mot.  Eau  et  pain. 
Finished  reading  Eustace's  "  Letter  to  Cleomenes," 
430  octavo  pages.  A  strange  medley  of  things  per- 
sonal, of  Grecian  and  Roman  history  and  maxims,  of 
anecdotes,  &c.,  but  not  badly  put  together,  and  amus- 

1  Jungfrus. 

2  Their  governess. 

3  Daughter,  girl. 

4  Fine  looking,  plump. 

5  Rather  dull. 

132 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

ing.  Written  in  1730.  Says  he  is  the  nearest  male 
relation  of  the  late  Mr.  Addison.  At  6  to  tea  at 
Gahn's  by  invitation.  T  Colonel  Gahn  to  attend 
me  to  the  levee,  which  is  announced  for  this  evening 
at  7.  Put  on  my  sword  and  tripod,  and  went.  A 
very  splendid  display  of  beauty.  There  were  many 
hundreds.  Those  who  pretended  to  be  able  to  form 
a  judgment  said  1,600.  The  King  looked  much 
better  than  when  I  last  saw  him ;  went  very  well 
through  the  forms.  The  Queen  still  better.  The 
Princess  Louisa  appeared  to  labour,  and  to  be  fatigued 
with  it.  Met  there  all  my  acquaintances  of  both  sexes. 
Came  off  at  9  and  supped  at  Gahn's.  Hosack  there. 

The  family  and  M'lle .     La  belle  boit.  qui  touche 

si  bien  la  barpe.      Et  sa  soeur  ainee1 .     Gahn  the 

nephew  left  town  for  Falun  this  day  to  my  great 
regret  for  he  was  my  most  useful  and  willing  guide. 
He  called  to  take  leave.  Home  at  yz  p.  10. 

9.  Couche  at  yz  p.  12.  Lev.  at  6.  How  very 
regular  we  are  grown  !  Breakfast  at  9.  Read  the  life 
of  Captain  John  Smith,  who  went  with  the  first  colony 
to  Virginia  and  afterward  to  New  England.  It  is 
extracted  from  Belknap  into  an  English  compilation 
entitled  "  Polyanthea,  or  Collection  of  Interesting 
Fragments."  Sor.  at  */2  p.  i.  Un  strolle*.  Met 
Wennerquiest,  who  asked  me  to  a  musical  party  on 
Sunday  at  Djurgarden.  Home  at  ^  p.  2.  Eau  et 
pain.  Sor.  at  5.  Rencont.  U.  que  vis  bier.  Mar. 


1  The  pretty   lame  girl  (beiteuse)  who  plays  the  harp  so  well,  and  her  elder  sister  (soeur 
atnie). 

2  Notice  the  puerile  mixture  of  French  and  misspelled  English. 

133 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Carol,  blo.jeu.     1^2  r.  d.    Rendev.  pr.  Lund.    3P.M.1 

D'Aries  brought  in  to  see  me  the  Baron ,  who 

is  a  member  of  the  Diet  and  a  lodger  in  this  house  ; 
a  frank,  sensible  man,  speaking  French  fluently.  He 
is  on  a  committee  to  reform  judicial  proceedings.  Not 
heard  of  our  J.  B.2  Supped  with  Mons.  d'A.  Took 
neither  tea  nor  coffee  this  P.  M. 

10.  Couche  at  yz  p.  12.  Slept  till  waked  by  my 
noir1  at  yz  p.  7.  I  am  better  without  the  afternoon 
tea  and  coffee  and  resolve  to  discontinue  it.  Raining 
hard,  which  prevents  my  intended  walk  to  Drottning- 
holm,  about  eight  miles.  Read  two  or  three  hours 
this  morning  in  a  French  work  printed  in  1804, 
entitled,  "  De  la  Philosophic  de  la  Nature  ou  'fraite  de 
Morale  •pour  le  Genre  Humain  fire  de  la  Philosophic  et 
fonde  sur  la  Nature"  "/me  edit.4  The  style  very  fine. 
Great  advocate  for  natural  law,  as  the  foundation  of  all 
law  and  morals.  "Cette  loi  naturelle  gravee  sur  le 
coeur."5  A  great  deal  of  pretty  and  ingenious  nonsense 
of  the  like  kind.  Pretending  to  quote  and  confute  all 
writers,  ancient  and  modern,  who  hold  a  contrary  doc- 
trine ;  but  not  naming  Bentham,  though  published  at 
Paris.  The  book  is  anonymous,  but  said  to  be  the 

6.      Dinner  by    invitation  with   d' Aries.     Lui, 

Madame^  et  Madame veuve  du  consul  Portugais 


1  For  Rencontrai  lajungfru  que  vis  hier.      Marie  Caroline  ;   blonde,  jeune.      1%  ri\   dollars. 
Rendex-vous  four  Lundi,  }  P.  M.    Met  the  maid  whom  I  saw  yesterday.    By  name  Marie  Caro- 
line; blonde,  young.     i%  rix-dollars.     Appointment  for  }  P.M.  Monday. 

2  Jeremy  Bentham. 

3  Negro. 

4  "  Of  the  Philosophy  of  Nature  ;  or  Treatise  on  Ethics  for  the   Human   Race,  drawn  from 
Philosophy,  and  Founded  on  Nature."     Seventh  edition. 

5  This  natural  law  graven  on  the  heart. 

6  Sentence  unfinished. 


134 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

mats  nee  italienne.1  This  morning  while  I  was  shaving, 
came  into  my  room  a  tall,  graceful,  pretty  woman, 
plainly  but  neatly  dressed.  Asked  if  I  could  speak 
Swedish.  No.  German.  No.  Italian.  No.  I  then 
asked  her  if  she  could  speak  English.  No.  French? 
No.  So  that  it  seemed  that  communication  by  words 
was  out  of  question.  I  made  her,  however,  understand 
that  I  was  going  to  the  country,  and  would  be  glad  to 
see  her  again  on  Tuesday  morning  at  the  same  hour, 
viz.,  7  o'clock.  Who  she  is,  or  what  the  pretence  of 
the  visit,  I  can  form  no  conjecture. 

ii.  Mr.  d' Aries  waked  me  at  5.  At  yz  p.  7 
went  with  him  and  his  son  in  their  one-horse  phaeton, 
to  Drottningholm.  A  very  beautiful  ride  ;  cross  four 
large  bridges.  Madame  D.  went  last  evening  with 
Mr.  de  Castre.  At  1 1  went  to  witness  the  service  at 
a  country  church,  about  i^  miles  from  the  Palace. 
A  neat,  pretty,  ancient  building  ;  low,  arched  ;  several 
pictures  ;  a  narrow  alley  through  the  middle,  and  seats 
(pews)  on  each  side.  The  women  on  the  left  and  men 
on  the  right ;  about  an  equal  number  on  each  side  ; 
perhaps  150  of  each  sex.  The  organ  playing  when  I 
came  in,  and  they  were  singing  a  psalm  to  the  tune  we 
call  Old  Hundred.  Sacrament  day.  All  partook, 
going  up  about  twenty  at  a  time,  men  and  women 
promiscuously.  The  priest  and  his  clerk,  or  cure*, 
administered.  They  all  returned  very  much  affected  ; 
the  women  in  tears,  and  many  sobbing ;  the  psalm 

1  Himself,  his  wife  and  Madame ,  widow  of  the  Portuguese  consul,  but  Italian  born 

(»")• 

2  Burr  almost  always  uses  the  grave  accent  for  the  acute,  when  it  occurs  to  him  to  use  any 
accent  at  all. 

135 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

going  on  all  the  while.  I  stood  in  the  isle1,  no  one 
taking  the  least  notice  of  me.  The  musaz,  the  princi- 
pal head-dress  of  the  women.  Two  very  beautiful 
young  women,  who  were  near  me,  in  black,  the  head 
a  la  mode1.  Returned  to  d' Aries,  and  we  went 
through  the  garden  to  see  the  Palace,  he  having 
engaged  one  of  the  keepers  as  ciceroni.  Just  as  we 
entered  the  Palace  met  Countess  Bunge  and  Comtesse 
Lbwenhaupt,  Baron  Wrangle,  Captain  Dirden,  et  al'i.s 
Went  all  together  into  the  first  sal/e6.  While  I  was 
examining  a  statue,  the  ladies  and  their  party,  with 
our  guide,  went  out,  but  whither  we  could  not  dis- 
cover ;  and  after  half  an  hour  of  fruitless  search  and 
inquiry  we  returned  to  the  gardens,  and  to  that  part 
called  Canton ;  thence  home  to  dinner  at  2.  Mr.  D. 
exceedingly  mortified  and  vexed  that  our  chaperon  had 
thus  left  us  in  the  lurch.  He  expected  several  persons 
to  dine,  but  no  one  of  them  came.  After  dinner 
walked  to  see  Madame  de  Castre  and  her  daughter. 
Both  of  very  pleasant  manner.  The  mother  very 
ladylike  ;  ne  Polonaise7.  Le  Mart 8  formerly  in  the 
orchestra  of  Gustavus  III.  Both  now  enjoying  pen- 
sions. M'lle  tout  plein  de  talents'*.  Paints  in  oil  in  a 
manner  to  have  attracted  notice  and  admiration  at  the 
exhibition.  Pince  la  harpe  superieurement.  Danse 
(comme  on  dii]  comme  une  ange.  Vif.  enjouee.  18 ;  jol. 


1  So  in  the  MS. 

2  For  Moisa.     Swedish  for  bonnet,  hood. 

3  In  fashion. 

4  Guide. 

5  For  Latin  et  alii.     And  others. 

6  Hall,  room. 

7  For  nee,  Sec.     Polish  born. 

8  The  husband. 

9  For  toute  fleine,  etc.     Very  talented. 


•36 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

taille1.  At  4  Madame  de  Castre  came  to  take  tea 
with  us  ;  but  Madame  d'  Aries  rather  presumptuously 
told  her  we  were  engaged.  She  went  off  and  we 
walked  out  to  take  tea  with  Madame  -  ;  Madame 
and  all  the  family  abroad.  Went  then  to  Dr.  -  , 


medecin  du  R.oi*^  Gustavus  IV.;  out  also  ;  but  an  elderly 
lady  permitted  us  to  see  his  pictures.  Chez  nous  at  6. 
Brought  Madame  de  Castre  to  sup  with  us.  Before 
supper  went  to  the  tower  ;  in  ruins  ;  extensive  and 
picturesque  views.  After  supper  saw  Madame  and 
M'lle  to  cbez  eux\  There  are  still  a  few  Russian 
prisoners  here  ;  a  small  hospital.  The  situation  of  the 
Palace  and  disposition  of  the  grounds  very  beautiful. 
Profusion  of  statues,  principally  bronze  and  tout  nud.* 
Everything  in  decay.  Two  ladies  on  horseback.  One 
riding  at'  Angloise,  the  other  en  cavalier*,  with  scarlet 
waist-jacket  and  white  overalls,  a  la  Turc  ou  Perse6  ; 
very  wide  ;  a  round  hat  with  feathers.  She  had  a  very 
fine  form,  and  made  an  elegant  appearance. 

12.  Couche  at  12.  Lev.  at  6.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
d'A.  breakfasted  and  with  their  son  August  set  off  at 
8  for  Stockholm.  I  breakfasted  after  they  were  gone 
and  at  *4  p.  9  set  off  on  foot.  A  very  charming 
promenade,  about  6  miles.  Rene,  sur  chem.  Paysan. 
Prom,  ensem.  au  boi.  un  heure.  ^  r.  d.7  Arrive  at 
home  at  12;  undressed,  lay  down,  and  slept  three 

1  Plays  the  harp  in  a  superior  manner.     Dances  (as  they  say)   like  an  angel.     Animated, 
sprightly  (fit;*,  enjouee)  ;  18;  pretty  figure. 

2  Physician  of  the  King. 

j     For  chex  tiles.     To  their  home. 

4  Probably  for  tout  a  fait  nuts.     Wholly  nude. 

5  Trooper  fashion,  astride. 

6  After  the  Turkish  or  Persian  fashion  (a  la  turque,  etc.). 

7  For  Rtncontrai  sur  le  chetnin  une  pajsanne.     Promenade  cnttmble.     Au  bois  une  heure.    % 
rix  dollar.      Met  on  the  way  a  country  lass.     Took  a  walk  together  for  an  hour  in  the  wood  ; 
%  rix  dollar. 

137 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

hours.  At  5  to  Slade's  and  Hartshorne's.  T:  Hosack 
and  Heuland  ;  chess  with  Hartshorne  ;  three  games  ; 
won  two.  Tea  at  8  pour  sou.  et  din.1  Note  from 
Hedboom  to  dine  on  Wednesday,  to  which  agreed. 

13.  Couche  at  y2  p.  12.  Lev.  at  7.  Had 
scarcely  got  out  of  bed  when  la  Hanoverienne'1  men- 
tioned on  Saturday  came  in.  Being  unable  to  com- 
municate anything  by  the  ear,  we  tried,  successfully, 
all  the  other  senses.  Passed  an  hour.  After  breakfast, 
ma  bel  Mar*  came  in  to  try  to  settle  that  affair  of  the 
broken  glass.  Je  voud.  mieux  that  her  vis.  had  been 
defd.  till  torn,  mats  el.  est  si  jo  lie ;  i  r.  d.4  At  i  to 
Dr.  Gahn's  ;  all  in  the  country.  At  2  came  in  Caro- 
lin.  Cest  tropl  Mais  5/4  r.  d.5  Couche  at  3  and  slept 
two  hours.  Dinner  eau  et  pain.  Tea  and  four  eggs 
for  supper.  Couche  at  ^  p.  12.  Mais  ne  saurais 
dormir6.  Just  got  asleep  at  y%  p.  4  when  Hosack 
came  and  waked  me  to  get  his  key.  I  had  taken  it 
to  ensure  a  sight  of  him.  Got  asleep  at  5  and  slept 

till   9.     Waked  by   Captain   H ,  who   came  to 

ask   me   to   go   on    Saturday    next    to   take   tea   with 

Madame ,  who  had  known  Bollman7  and  wished 

much  to  hear  of  him.  I  was  half  asleep  and  forgot  to 
enquire  who  the  lady  is  and  where  the  acquaintance 
had  been  made.  Before  I  was  dressed  came  in  Berg- 
strom ;  agreed  to  go  with  him  to-morrow  to  take  tea 

I     For  four  soufer  et  diner.     For  supper  and  dinner. 
Z     For  la  Hanovriennc.     The  Hanoverian  woman. 

3  For  ma  belle  Marie. 

4  I  should  prefer  (je  voudrais  mieux)  that  her  visit  had  been  deferred  till  to-morrow.     But 
she  is  so  pretty ;     I  rix  dollar. 

5  It's  too  much  !     But  B/4  rix  dollars. 

6  But  cannot  sleep. 

7  Dr.  Erich  Bollman,  a    German,  who  had  distinguished  himself  by    a   gallant   attempt   to 
rescue  Lafayette  from  his  prison  at  Olmiitz,  and  who  was  one  of  Burr's  most  trusted  confederates 
in  the  Mexican  affair. 

138 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

with  Gahn  a  la  campagne1.  At  i  called  on  Madame 
de  Castre  and  daughter,  who  came  yesterday  to  town. 
Madame  seule  ;  j  trappar  up*.  A  bust  of  M'lle  by 
Bustrom,  extremely  well  executed.  Madame  took  me 
to  see  Bustrom  (and  his  attelier\  who  lives  under  the 
same  roof  one  story  higher,  that  is,  in  what  we  should 
call  the  fifth  story.  The  apartments  of  Madame  in 
the  fourth  are  very  handsome.  Bustrom  was  out  and 
his  rooms  locked.  M'lle  came ;  a  landscape  painted 
by  her,  very  pretty  and  showing  much  talent.  The 
coronation  is  postponed  till  the  first  week  in  July,  that 
it  may  be  the  more  brilliant.  Mr.  de  Castre  had 
this  morning  an  interview  with  the  King,  who  sent  for 
him  to  solicit  him  to  take  part  in  an  opera  to  be  given 
on  the  occasion.  Note :  The  opera-house  has  been 
shut  since  the  majority  of  Gustavus  IV.,  and  Mr.  de 
Castre  has  been  sixteen  years  out  of  practice.  Nean- 
moins,  pour  fair  e  plaisir  a  sa  M.1  he  will  attempt.  It  is 
not  impossible  nor  altogether  improbable,  that  we  may 
have  a  Russian  audience;  for  news  was  yesterday  received 
that  the  Russian  forces  on  this  side  of  the  Gulf  of  Both- 
nia had  advanced  very  rapidly.  Yet  all  here  is  placid, 
though  they  are  not  more  than  ten  or  twelve  days' 
march  from  Stockholm,  and  neither  fortifications  nor 
efficient  army  in  the  way.  Called  on  Madame  Daily, 
who  is  still  in  town.  She  is  frightened  to  death  about 
the  Russians.  The  Russian  soldiers!  It  is  the  uni- 
versal opinion  that,  if  they  come,  there  will  be  general 


1  In  the  country  or  at  the  country  house. 

2  Swedish.     Three  flights  up.     (3  traffor  uff. ) 

g     Nevertheless,  to  please  his  Majesty  (ct  Sa  Majesti). 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

plundering  and  ravishing.  At  2  dressed  for  dinner 
and  went  to  Hedboom's.  All  locked  fast ;  not  even  a 
servant.  Tried  every  door,  and  made  a  great  deal  of 
noise  to  no  effect.  Strange  !  At  length  discovered 
from  a  family  on  the  next  floor  that  Mr.  H.  and 
family  lived  at  some  distance,  where  it  is  expected  that 
I  am  to  dine.  About  two  miles  off.  Went  to  hire  a 
boat.  Asked  i  rix  dollar,  which  I  refused  to  give. 
Came  home  at  4,  and  took  bread  and  milk  at  6.  At 
y%  p.  7  went  to  the  concert,  a  la  Bourse1,  where  I  had 
engaged  to  meet  Madame  de  Castre  et  M'lle.  The 
concert  began  at  6,  and  was  more  than  half  done  when 
I  came  in.  There  was,  I  believe,  more  than  one 
thousand  persons,  among  them  the  Queen  and  the 
Princess  Sophia.  Heard  three  pieces,  in  one  of  which 
"  God  Save  the  King  "  was  introduced.  The  last  piece 
was  accompanied  by  the  voice  of  Mr.  de  Castre,  who 
has  sung  here  for  thirty  years.  His  voice  is  yet  well 
preserved  and  really  fine.  I  have  great  sensibility  to 
music,  but  no  science.  Every  part  was  executed 
extremely  to  my  satisfaction  ;  but  what  most  interested 
me  was  the  perfect  attention,  and  the  uncommon  degree 
of  feeling  exhibited  by  the  audience.  I  have  nowhere 
witnessed  the  like.  Every  countenance  was  affected 
by  those  emotions  to  which  the  music  was  adapted. 
In  England  you  see  no  expression  painted  on  the 
visage  at  a  concert.  All  is  sombre  and  grim.  They 
cry  bravo  I  bravissimo  ! z  with  the  same  countenance 
that  they  "  God  damn  "  their  servants  and  their  gov- 


I     At  the  Exchange, 
z     Superlative  of  bravo. 


140 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

ernment.  Acerbi  is  wrong  in  asserting  that  les  Suedoises1 
have  no  sensibility  to  music.  The  crowd  was  so  great 
that  I  could  not  get  sight  of  the  de  Castres ;  but 
passing  their  quarters  just  as  they  drove  up  to  the 
door,  went  in  and  sat  a  few  moments.  Was  introduced 
to  Mr.  de  Castre,  whom  I  had  not  before  seen,  nor 
did  I  suspect,  till  then  informed,  that  it  was  he  who 
sang,  not  having  seen  him  while  singing.  They 

engaged  me  to  tea  on  Friday  to  meet  Baron , 

Grand  Seigneur  et  fort  ricbe,  demeurant  en  Scanie*. 
Home  at  10.  Read  an  hour  in  Captain  Barrie  Saint 
Venan's  book  "Des  Colonies  Modernes  sous  la  Zone  Tor- 
ride,particulierement  St.  Domingo*"  Imp.  Paris  :  1802. 
Mange  un  morceau  de  soupe  chez  Madame  D.4 

15.  Couche  2^.  Slept  sound  till  9.  La  Han- 
overrienne  attandoit  *;  i  ^  rix  dollars.  At  1 1  called  on 
Baron  Munck.  Spent  an  hour  in  trying  to  find 
Catteau  without  success.  Ordered  a  bath  at  3.  II y 
a  rien  qui  me  etab.  apres  trop  de  muse  comme  le  bain 
chaud6.  Called  at  Hartshorne's ;  found  him  and 
Hosack  at  chess ;  Heuland  and  Slade  spectators. 
Brought  Hosack  home  to  settle  for  our  two  weeks' 
rent  with  d' Aries  ;  paid  14  rix  dollars.  Hosack  gave 
notice  that  he  should  leave  his  quarters  to-morrow 
etant  mecontent  de  son  demeure  coeleste.1  He  is  in  the 
fifth  story.  An  bain  a  trots  b.  Tout  pret.  Reste  dedans 

I     For  let  Suedoises.     The  Swedish  women. 

a    Great  lord,  very  rich  and  residing  in  Skane  (an  old  province  of  Sweden  at  its  southern 
extremity). 

3  "  Modern  Colonies  in  the  Torrid  Zone,  especially  St.  Domingo."     Printed, etc.  (imprlmi). 

4  Ate  a  bite  of  supper  at  Madame  D.'s.     (Atangeai.) 

5  For  attendait.     Was  waiting. 

6  There  is  nothing  that  restores  me  after  too  much   muse  as  does   the  hot  bath.     (//   rCy   a 
rien  qui  ;/;'  etat>lit,etc.) 

7  For  etant  mecontent  de  sa  demeure  celeste.     Being  dissatisfied  with  his  celestial  abode. 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

un  heure.  Tres  refraichi.  Le  dem.  qui  me  servait  atten- 
dait  que,  &c.  Mais  non.  Pai.  pr.  bain  I  rix ;  a  dem. 
YZ  rix.  Chez  moi  at  5.  En  chem.  suiv.  la  plus  belle 
animal  que  j'ai  vu  en  Suede.  Ignore  son  nom.  Mais  nous 
saur1.  Bergstrom  had  promised  to  walk  with  me  to 
Gahn's  country  house,  but  came  not ;  went  seul  at  6, 
the  distance  two  and  a  half  English  miles  ;  walked  it 
in  24  hour.  A  very  Romanesque  and  retired  position. 
Lake  Shreame,  locks,  hills,  meadows,  magnificent 
forest ;  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  lake,  pretty,  neat 
country  houses.  Y:  The  family  and  four  or  five 
others  whose  names  I  did  not  learn.  Prie  a  soupe  mais 
ne  veu.  pas*.  After  tea,  walked  home.  Stopped  y%  h. 
on  the  way  to  listen  to  the  band  of  music.  Home  at 
y^  p.  9.  Undressed,  being  tout  mouille*  with  the  exer- 
cise. Morceau  de  soupe  av.4  Mr.  and  Madame  d'A. 
1 6.  Couche  at  12.  Slept  sound  till  8.  It  must 
be  the  milk  or  omitting  tea  which  produces  this  extra- 
ordinary sleep.  Rained  hard,  which  prevented  me 
from  going  out.  Read  in  Barre  de  Venant's  book. 
Cleared  up  at  i .  Walked  an  hour  sans  accident ;  got 
very  warm ;  changed.  Milk  and  bread  for  dinner. 
This  diet  agrees  with  me  exceedingly.  Chessed.  At 
6  to  Hartshorne's ;  all  out.  "  Parlez  vous  franc  oise?" 
"Pas  un  mot"  in  very  perfect  French.  "  Adieu , 

I  For  Au  tain  a  trois  heures.  Taut  fret.  Reste  dedans  une  heure.  Tres  rafraichi.  La 
demoiselle  qui  me  servait  attendait  que,  etc.  Mais  non.  Paid  four  bain  I  rix  dollar;  a  demoi- 
selle "^  rix  dollar.  Chex,  moi  at  5.  En  chemin  suivis  le  plus  bel  animal  [feminin]  que  fai  vu 
en  Suede.  Ignore  son  nom,  mais  nous  saurons.  To  the  bath  at  J  o'clock.  All  ready.  Remain 
in  it  one  hour.  Very  much  refreshed.  The  girl  who  waited  on  me  expected  that,  etc.  But 
no!  Paid  for  the  bath  I  rix  dollar;  %  rix  dollar  to  the  girl.  At  home  at  6.  On  the  way^  I 
followed  the  finest  she  animal  that  I  have  seen  in  Sweden.  Don't  know  her  name,  but  we'll 
find  it  out. 

z     Invited  to  supper  but  don't  want  to  [go]  .     (  Ne  vcux  fas.) 

1     Quite  wet.      (Mouille). 

4     Bit  of  supper  with. 

I42 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

M'lte."1  At  7  to  tea  chez  de  Castre.  T:  The  Baron 
Krame,  arr.  de  Scanie1,  de  bon  sens  et  bonte  ;  Chev. 
Fauvelet  emig.  fr.  60 ;  Mr.  Passi,  1 9,  nev.  de  Desguil- 

lon,  tres  fort  snr  le  piano ;   Mr. ,  sectr.  du  roy 

Gus.  IV.;  M'e  et  M'lle  d'C.;  Mr.  et  M'e  d'Ar. 
Mils.,  chanty  dans,  cartes,  excellent  soupe*.  Home  at 
%  p.  12.  Mr.  de  Castre  is  deemed  the  first  singer  in 
Sweden.  M'lle  pince  le  harpe  superieurment.  Elle 
dansait  le  schawl ;  tres  jolie  ballet4,  which  she  executed 
better  than  I  have  ever  seen.  The  evening  very 
pleasant.  La  comtesse.  Couche  at  **/%  p.  i. 

17.  Couche  at  y2  p.  i.  Lev.  at  y2  p.  4.  Tro. 
souped  Walked  out  an  hour  and  on  my  return  got 
breakfast  about  6.  Had  two  hours  in  the  library  in 
"  Les  Monuments  Antiques  Expliques  par  la  Mythologie" 
par  Alexandre  Lenoir.  En  forme  de  Dictionaire  avec 
gravures  en  forme  de  dictionaire6.  Vol.  i.  Paris:  1806. 
A  voluminous  work.  At  10  Professor  Arnt  came  in 
and  sat  an  hour.  Much  distressed  at  the  prospect  of 
affairs  in  his  country  (Germany).  Agrees  that  the 
nobility  is  rotten  and  worthless  ;  would  have  no  hered- 
itary nobles.  Slept  two  hours  ;  walked  one  ;  took  my 
milk  and  bread  at  3.  Read  a  ridiculous  roman  fr. 
"  Gaudriole"  conte  par1  M.  D.  Paris:  1806.  168 

1  "Do  you    speak    French?"      "Not   a    word,"   in    very    perfect   French.      (But  Burr's 
French   is   far   from    perfect.      Should   be    "  Parlex-voui  fran^aisl"    etc.)      "Adieu,   Mad- 
emoiselle." 

2  For  arrivi  de  Scanie.     Arrived  from  Skane. 

3  Having  good  sense   and    kindness ;  Chevalier    Fauvelet,  French    emigrant,  aged   60 ;  Mr. 

Passi,  19,  nephew  of  Desguillon  ;  very    expert   on  the  piano  ;  Mr. ,  secretary  of   King 

Gustavus  IV.;  Madame  and    Mademoiselle   d'C.;    Mr.    and    Madame   d'Ar.     Music,   singing, 
dancing,  cards,  excellent  supper. 

4  She  danced  the  shawl  dance  ;  very  pretty  ballet. 

5  Too  much  supper.      (Trop  de  loufer,  or  f  ai  trof  s/tufi.) 

6  "  The  Ancient  Monuments   Explained  by    Mythology,"   by  Alexander    Lenoir.     In    dic- 
tionary form  with  engravings.     (Burr's  repetition  is  probably  unintentional.) 

7  A  ridiculous  French  romance,"  Gaudriole,"  related  by  (conti  or  conti). 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

pages.  Laughed  half  a  dozen  times  at  the  most 
puerile  and  unmeaning  nonsense.  Called  on  Madame 
de  Castre  ;  met  her  going  out  and  walked  with  her  a 
few  minutes.  She  goes  this  afternoon  to  Drottning- 
holm,  where  I  am  to  see  her  on  Monday  P.  M. 
Captain  Weidenhjolm  called  at  6  to  escort  me  to  the 
Helvigs.  Raining  hard  ;  we  took  coach.  Met  there 
Baron  Helvig,  Madame  and  two  souers1 ;  Comtesse 
Posse  and  Comtesse  Hamilton,  both  very  handsome  ; 
two  gentlemen  whose  names  I  did  not  recollect. 
Foster  came  in  after  tea.  Came  off  at  9  sans  adieu*. 
It  was  expected  that  I  should  stay  to  supper,  but  I  had 
resolved  not  on  that  sort  of  invitation.  M' e  H.  est 
liter  air  e,  gai^  aimable,  peut.  3252  enf.;  le  garcon,  who  is 
the  younger,  perfectly  beautiful ;  sa  souer  la  plus  grande, 
has  a  very  interesting  physiog.  Toutes  deux  paint  in  a 
very  superior  style  in  oil3. 

1 8.  Couche  at  12.  Lev.  at  8.  Slept  the  whole 
time  sound.  Raining.  Read  till  12.  Dressed  and 
walked  to  Professor  Gahn's  country  house,  about  two 
and  a  half  miles.  Found  there  a  large  circle.  Baron 
(General)  Cronstedt  (brother  of  him  of  Calberg)  et  ux.; 
she  had  just  performed  a  journey  by  land  with  her 

three  children  from  Tornea  through  Finland  to 

and  thence  across  the  gulph4  to  Stockholm  ;  a  cheerful, 
pleasing  woman  ;  la  belle  Comtesse  Lowenhaupt,  to 
whom  je  feroit  !'am.s ;  M'lle  Hoschell,  la  charmante 

1  For  soeurs.     Sisters.     Burr  generally  misspells  this  word. 

2  Without  saying  good-by. 

j     Madame  H.  is  literary,  mirthful,  amiable,  perhaps  32;  two  children ;  the  boy,  etc.;  his 
sister,  the  taller,  has,  etc.     Both  of  them  paint,  etc. 

4  So  in  the  MS.     Old-style  spelling. 

5  The  pretty  Countess  L.  to  whom  I  [fain]  would  make  love  [jeferais  volontiers  1'amour]. 

144 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

boiteuse1,  who  plays  on  harp  tre.  superieurment ;  Colonel 
Gahn, — we  barely  saluted  and  did  not  speak  afterward, 

est  drole1;  M'e ,  fern,  du  juge  et  souer  cadette  de 

Hoschell ;  bien  belle  et  interessante ;  douce^  plein  <fam*. 
A  very  pleasant  day.  Came  off  at  9,  declining  to  stay 
to  supper.  Dr.  Gahn  showed  me  his  ice-house  built 
above  ground.  Two  walls  or  houses  of  wood  about 
eighteen  inches  apart  filled  in  with  charcoal.  Home 
at  10.  Read  various  nonsense  two  hours.  Mem.: 
Baron  Munck's  servant  called  this  morning  with  a 
verbal  message  from  le  Baron  and  la  Baronne  with 
tickets  of  entrance  and  inviting  me  and  Hosack  to  dine 
and  pass  the  day  at  Haga.  We  were  engaged. 
Hosack  did  not  go  to  G.'s  on  account  of  the  rain. 

19.  Couche  at  yz  p.  12.  Lev.  at  ^  p.  8.  Slept 
like  a  log  the  whole  time.  Was  to  have  called  on  Dr. 
G.  at  his  house  in  town  at  10,  but  did  not  go  there  till 
ii.  He  had  waited  and  gone.  Spent  an  hour  hunt- 
ing for  Catteau's  without  success.  Roved  about  for 
two  hours  sans  accid4.  Home  at  3.  Milk  and  brot*. 
for  dinner.  At  5  set  off  to  walk  to  Drottningholm, 
the  rain  notwithstanding,  having  a  good  pr.  de  bottesb 
and  a  large  umbrella.  Walked  it  in  two  hours,  being 
about  6^/2  miles ;  raining  great.  At  the  bridge  was 
overtaken  by  young  de  Castre  (le  menuisier)7  who  was 
returning  from  town  in  cabriole  (cart).  Got  in  ;  my 

1  The  charming  lame  girl. 

2  Probably  Cat  drale.     It  is  queer  ! 

3  Madame ,  wife  of  the  judge  and  younger  sister  of   Hoschell.     Very    fine   looking 

and  interesting.     Sweet,  full  of  friendship  (amitie),  or  love  (amour). 

4  For  sans  accident. 

5  The  spelling  of  the  German  word  for   bread,  but   it  is   probably   a   misspelling  of  the 
Swedish  word  brad. 

6  For  faire  de  bottts.     Pair  of  boots. 

7  The  carpenter. 

H5 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

coat  rubbing  on  the  wheel  and  all  mud,  which  with 
the  aid  of  the  two  maids  at  Drottningholm  washed  off. 
Sent  out  for  sugar,  coffee,  bread,  and  a  pipe  ;  not  one 
of  these  articles  to  be  had.  Consoled  myself  with  a 
little  skimmed  milk  and  warm  water  and  at  9  went  to 
de  Castre's.  Keen  tres  gracieusement.  Supped  on 
pbilibonka1.  Home  at  yz  p.  10.  Couche  at  yz  p.  n. 
20.  Slept  sound  till  9  !  This  must  be  the  milk 
diet  which  produces  such  inordinate  sleep.  Dressed  and 
sent  out  again  for  the  materials  for  breakfast.  Madame 
de  Castre  met  the  servant,  saw  her  basket,  and  came 
over  herself  for  me  to  tell  me  that  it  was  vain  to  try 
to  get  a  breakfast  for  me  there  and  that  hers  was  wait- 
ing for  me.  I  was  then  al  fresco71.  Made  myself  up, 
went  over,  and  found  an  excellent  breakfast.  The 
family  had  breakfasted  about  four  hours  before.  At 
yz  p.  1 1  Madame  and  M'lle  de  Castre  went  with  me 
to  see  the  Palace.  The  wackmyster3  attended  us,  and  we 
passed  two  hours  in  going  through  the  rooms.  Not  so 
extensive  as  the  chateau  in  Stockholm,  but  the  pictures 
mieux  choisies*.  I  could  pass  four  hours  a  day  there  for 
a  month,  with  pleasure,  to  examine  the  pictures  and 
statues.  Of  the  latter,  however,  not  many.  Returned 
at  yz  p.  i.  Went  to  my  inn  at  D.  to  repose  and  fum. 5 
Returned  to  dine  at  ^  p.  2.  After  dinner,  coffee. 
All  went  to  D.  at  6.  Mr.  and  Madame  D.  had  just 


1  Filbunke  is  a  wholesome  summer  dish  in   Scandinavia   and  Northern   Europe  in  general. 
Sweet  milk  is  left  to  sour  in  a  dish  specially  made  for  the  purpose.     Cream  settles  thick  on  top. 
Powdered  sugar  and  grated  ginger  are  mixed  with  it.     Then  it  is  eaten  with  relish.     Burr  spells 
filbunke  in  seven  different  ways,  but  always  incorrectly. 

2  Spanish.     Literally  in  the  cool,  i.  e.,  in  undress,  not  presentable. 

3  For  vaktmdstare.     Watchman,  keeper,  porter. 

4  Better  selected. 

5  For  fumer.     To  smoke. 


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Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

arrived  from  town.  At  f/£  p.  6  commenced  my  march 
home.  The  Dev.  sent  that  U.  after  me ;  walked 
together  two  miles.  Ret.  en  boi ;  ^  r.  d.1  Gave  the 
wackmr  who  showed  us  the  Palace  half  a  dollar  banco. 
Got  home  at  ^  p.  9,  not  at  all  fatigued.  Milk  and 
bro?  for  supper.  Hosack  came  in  at  1 1  and  we  played 
chess  till  i.  No  letter,  not  a  line  from  any  human 
being  nor  any  other  being  since  I  left  London.  "  Ca 
ne  vaut  rien  apres  dine.  II gate  la  digestion"*. 

21.  Coucbe  at  2.     Lev.  at  10.     One  sound  nap 
again  !     Quarrel  with  the  blancbisseur4,  who  carried  off 
*  *  *  *   and  refused  to  deliver  them  till  I  had  given 
some  handkerchiefs  of  another  person  which   I  never 
saw  or  had ;  so  I   must  either  lose  my  clothes,  enter 
into  a  lawsuit  or  pay  for  things  I  never  saw.     La  vieux 
Anna,  too,  en  mauvaise  humeur*.     Very  cold  ;  still  rain- 
ing, and  no  wood.     Milk  and  bro.  at  4.     At  6  called 
on  Captain  Weidenhjolm  ;  out.     Over  to  Hedboom's, 
whom  I  met  at  his  door ;  made  my  apology  for  failing 
to  dine,  &c.;  all  settled.     En  ret  rencr.  gros.  bio.  not. 
che.  30  bel.  men.  che.  mo.   i   r.  d.     Tant  pis.6     Read 
Kant  par  Villers  ;  2  hours.     Soup,  eau  et  pain7.    Couche 
2^y2  p.  ii. 

22.  Coucbe  at  */£  p.  n.     Was  waked  by  a  great 
knocking  at  my  door  at  y%  p.  9.     Heard  the  voice  of 

I     The  devil  sent  that  jungfru  (maid)  after  me.     Walked  together  two  miles.     Returning,  in 
the  woods ;  %  rix  dollar.     (En  retourant,  en  boil.) 
Z     For  brod.     Bread. 
J     That's  no  good  after  dinner.     It  hurts  digestion  (gate). 

4  The  launderer;  possibly  meant  for  the  laundress.     If  so,  it  should  be   blancbisseuse.     The 
text  is  partially  undecipherable.     We  should  be  glad  to  know  what  the  launderer  carried  off  ! 

5  Old  Anna,  too,  in  bad  humor.     (La  vieille  Anna). 

6  For  En  retournant  rencontrai  une  grosse  blondine.     Cheveux  noiri;  30;  belle.     \La\menai 
ctiex.  mot.     i  rix  dollar.     Tant  fit.     On  returning  I  met  a  big,  fair  complexioned  woman  with 
black  hair.     Age  jo.     Fine   looking.     Took   her  to   my    room.     I    rix  dollar.     So   much   the 
worse  ! 

7  Bread  and  butter  for  supper  (soufer). 

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Private     Journal    of     Aaron     Burr . 

la  bel.  Marie,  but  did  not  answer.  Got  up,  however, 
and  breakfasted  at  */£  p.  10.  At  12  came  into  the 
library  Lilly  de  Castre.  Sor.  at  i  to  Catteau's,  with 
whom  sat  an  hour.  He  is  a  native  of  Prussia,  where 
his  father  went  de  mourir1.  II  ennuye  /a'2.  He  is  going 
to  Berlin  in  fifteen  days,  to  take  possession  of  his  little 
heritage,  and  thence  to  Paris.  Catteau  says  this  is  not 
the  country  of  the  Goths,  or  Ostrogoths,  or  any  Goths  ; 
that  they  all  came  from  Thrace,  Asia,  Mt.  Caucasus, 
&c.,  and  had  been,  for  centuries  before  the  invasion  of 
the  Roman  Empire,  coming  into  Germany  ;  that  the 
Swedish  language  partakes  much  of  the  same  origin  ; 
that  there  is  no  reason  to  believe  that  any  Swedes  went 
south,  as  far  as  Italy  or  France,  before  the  ninth  or 
tenth  century  ;  that  the  application  of  the  term  Gotha 
and  Ostrogotha  to  certain  parts  of  Sweden  is  the  error 
and  stupidity  of  the  geographers  of  the  Middle  Ages  ; 
that  the  Romans  knew  nothing  of  the  Baltic ;  that  it 
is  not  mentioned  by  any  of  their  writers,  and  that  they 
had  no  knowledge  of  Sweden,  only  that  there  was  a 
country  hereabouts  which  they  called  Scandinavia ; 
that  Teutons  or  Teutonic  is  the  true  term  of  the  origin 
of  all  the  northern  nations  of  Europe,  including  Great 
Britain ;  that  the  Gaelic  (Welsh)  is,  however,  of 
distinct  and  more  remote  origin.  Met  Colonel  Gahn  ; 
we  barely  saluted.  Called  at  Dr.  G.'s  and  found  him 
at  home  (in  town).  He  gave  me  a  letter  for  his  friend 
and  relation  Dr.  Frederic  Schulzen,  of  Gothenburg, 
desiring  him  to  take  charge  of  my  letters.  Not  one 


Has  just  died. 

For  77  s'ennuit  id.     He  is  bored  here. 


148 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

has  yet  been  received,  which  is  suprenante1  and  embar- 
rassing. Going  out  this  morning  sui.  dem.  bi.  mis. 
Tour  du  Konigl  Garden.  Quit.  En  ret.  renc.  enc.  Me 
sui.  chez  mo.  2  r.  d.  Pa.  bl.  ni.jeu.  I'ant  pis  encore1. 
At  5,  milk  and  bro.  The  weather  has  been  clear, 
mild,  and  as  pleasant  as  possible. 

23.  Couche  at  ^  p.  12.  At  9  was  waked  par 
La  HanovS,  who  staid  an  hour.  Tres  aim.  et gent. ;  rix4. 
At  i  walked  over  to  Wennerquiest's  to  answer  his  note 
of  yesterday  inviting  Hosack  and  me  to  a  party  Sunday 
evening.  W.  out ;  wrote  a  note  at  his  desk.  Left 
card  at  Helvig's.  Sent  another  by  Hosack  to  Count 
Cronstedt  and  another  to  Laing.  Called  on  Captain 
Weidenhjolm,  who  was  out ;  stuck  card  in  his  keyhole. 
Home  at  2.  Read  "  Troubadours"  far  Fabre  d' 
Olivet.  On  dit  que  les  Russes  ont  envoy es  passport,  pour 
un  min.  Soeudois  and  that  Baron  Stedingk  pars  dernain*. 
To-day  the  Austrians  are  beaten  and  demolished ; 
yesterday  they  were  victorious.  Baron  Munck's  ser- 
vant came  to  ask  us  to  dine  there  to-morrow,  to 
which  assented.  Hosack  goes  out  this  evening  to 
Professor  Gahn's  campagne6.  Milk  and  brat1  at  6.  At 
8  walked  out  along  the  Blass  Holmen8  over  the  bridge 

I     For  surfrenant.     Surprising. 

I     For   Suivis    \une\    dame  bitn    mist.     Tour   du    Kongliga  Gird.      [Ellt   me]    quitta.     En 
retournant  [/a]    rencontrai  encore.      [Elle]    me   suivit  cht-x,  moi.     1  rix  dollars,     fas    belle   ni 


}  For  la  Hanovrienne.     The  Hanoverian  woman. 

4  For  Tris  aimable  et  gentille.     I  rix  dollar.     Very  amiable  and  pretty. 

5  It  is  said  that  the   Russians  have  sent   a  passport  (fassefort)  for   a   Swedish  minister  (un 
ninistre  suidois)  and  that  Baron  Stedingk  leaves  to-morrow  (fart). 

6  Country  house. 

7  Notice  the  umlaut  this  time,  which  is  an  improvement. 

8  For  Blasieholmen. 

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Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

to  Skeeps  Holmen1,  thence  by  the  public  (free)  ferry 
to  Kongl.  Djur  Garden,  and  home  by  Frederick's 
Hof*.  At  y%  p.  9,  thinking  I  had  need  of  something 
rafraichissant  a  cause  de>  &c?^  took  tea  and  two  eggs. 
Read  Kant  and  "  Troubadours"  At  12  Hosack  came 
in.  We  played  chess  till  yz  p.  i.  The  tea,  the  tea! 
24.  This  is  St.  John's  day,  the  greatest  holiday 
in  the  year ;  formerly  celebrated  with  great  military 
and  royal  pomp,  i.  £.,  before  Gustavus  IV.,  who 
abhorred  anything  gay.  It  is  celebrated  throughout 

the  country   as    May-day  and  called .     At   10 

last  evening  the  cannon  were  fired,  and,  at  intervals, 
all  night.  At  midnight,  singing  and  prayers  in  all  the 
churches.  The  tea  which  I  had  so  foolishly  taken 
kept  me  awake,  and,  being  utterly  indisposed  for  sleep, 
walked  out  at  */%  p.  2  to  see  the  sun  rise,  but  the  sky 
was  clouded.  At  3  the  streets  were  full  of  young 
people  ;  people,  indeed,  of  all  ages  and  sexes,  bearing 
green  boughs,  flowers,  little  Maypoles  very  prettily 
ornamented.  They  had  all  some  good-natured  wit  at 
me.  I  retorted,  neither  comprehending  a  word,  and 
we  all  laughed.  Home  at  4.  Read  the  last  two  vol- 
umes of  Emilie  de  Varmont  through  in  the  course  of 
the  night  and  morning.  Prettily  written.  At  8 
Hosack  came  in  and  soon  after  I  went  to  bed  and 
slept  till  near  n,  and  before  I  was  dressed  Hosack 

came  in  with ,  a  very  amiable  and  well-informed 

young  Swiss,    to  make  me  visit.     Sat  one-half  hour. 


1  For  Skcppsbolmen. 

2  For  Fredrikshof. 

}     Need  of  something  refreshing  because  of,  etc. 


150 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

At  12  took  breakfast.  From  i  to  2,  walked  to  see 
what  was  doing.  Little  parties  of  both  sexes  every- 
where. Singing,  fiddling,  dancing,  Maypoles.  The 
day  became  fine.  At  2  walked  with  Hosack  to  Haga 
to  dine  with  Munck.  Invited  to  go  with  him  to  his 
campagne,  about  sixty  miles.  En  famille,  Professor  Arnt, 
and  ourselves.  Dinner  always  good.  Greatly  pleased 
with  my  frankness  in  telling  him  that  a  bottle  of  vin1 
was  bad.  Refused  to  sup.  Came  off  at  yz  p.  8. 
Walked  with  Hosack  to  see  some  C/V;  out.  Home 
at  10.  Chess  till  12.  H.  to  bed.  I  had  again  taken 
both  coffee  and  tea  and  could  not  sleep. 

25.  Read    "Troubadours"   till    4.      Couche  and 
slept  sound  till  waked  by  la  vieux  Anna,  who  came  into 
my  room  apparently  full  of  anxiety  and  astonished  to 
find  me  in  bed.     She  offers  me  tea,  coffee,  eggs,  and 
every  other  thing  she  could  make  me  comprehend  ;  all 
which  I  refused.     Got  up  and  dressed  and  at  3  took 
breakfast.      Raining  all  the  morning.     They  say  it  is 
always  so,  both  at  the  summer  and  winter  solstice.    At 
6  went  out  with  Hosack  to  call  on  the  young  Swiss 
mentioned  Saturday.     Sat   */£   hour,  and  went  on  to 
Wennerquiest's,   about  two  miles.     Hosack,   though 
engaged  there  also,  refused  to  go,  so  I  went   alone. 
Found  there  eight  gentlemen,  mostly  musicians,  and  a 
pleasant  concert.     Supper.     Very  cheerful.     He  had 
got  Davis's  "  Travels,"  in  which,  it  seems,  you  and  I 
are  mentioned. 

26.  Couche  at  2.     Lev.  at  */%  p.  5.    I  don't  know 


1  Wine. 

2  Jungfrui. 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

why,  but  had  slept  enough.  Dressed.  Read  a  mili- 
tary treatise.  At  8,  just  as  I  had  got  breakfast,  la  bel1. 
Mar.  came  in  and  staid  an  hour  ;  2  rix  dollars.  Colonel 

le  Chev. ,  emig.  fr*.  who  had  served  in  America 

with  d'Estaing  and  Bouille  and  asked  an  introduction. 
Passed  an  hour.  He  was  aide-de-camp  de  Gustavus 
IV.  Was  imprisoned  by  him  two  days  before  his 
being  deposed  for  having  hinted  to  him  that  a  revolu- 
tion was  meditated  to  dethrone  him.  At  y2  p.  2  took 
pbillibonka?  with  d'  Aries  pour  din.  At  3  lay  down  and 
slept  two  hours.  At  6  walked  out  to  Haga  and 
supped  with  the  Munck's.  Home  at  ^  p.  n. 

27.  My  bed  being  out  of  order  (epinasses^)   I 
slept  on  sopha5  in  d'A.'s  parlour.     Couche  at  y%  p.  12. 
Lev.  at  */2  p.  8.     La  Han '<?6;   5/4  rix  dollars.     Breakfast 

at    10.     Walked    with    Madame   to   see   the 

church  where  the  coronation  is  to  be  performed.     Br. 
and  milk  at  6.     At  7  walked  to  Liston  Hill  (Wenner- 
quiest's)  to  take  supper  and  a  bed  in  conformity  with 
his  several  warm  invitations.      Found  no  one  at  home 
but  a  servant,  who  said  he  could  give  me  nothing  to 
drink  but  small  beer  and  nothing  to  eat  but  the  bro 
bru1',  so  left  a  note  for  him  on  his  table  and  walked 
home. 

28.  Your  picture  was  opened  and  put  up  in  my 
parlour  about  ten  days  ago.     It  has  been  very  greatly 


1  For  la  belle  Marie. 

2  Colonel  Chevalier ,  a  French  emigrant  (imigre  fran^ais). 

3  His  second  manner  of  spelling  the  word. 

4  For  funaisei.     Bugs. 

5  So  in  the  MS. 

6  For  la  Hanovriennt. 

7  Burr,  who  spelled  all  Swedish  words  phonetically,  was  very  uncertain  about  the  word  tr'id. 
Here  in  despair  he  writes  two  incorrect  forms. 


152 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

admired,  and  given  occasion  to  many  inquiries.  Think- 
ing it  had  got  a  little  injured,  I  took  it  to  Breda's  to 
ask  his  advice.  He  has  offered  to  clean  it  and  put  it 
in  order.  It  has  suffered  no  material  injury.  He 
says  that  if  a  picture  must  be  rolled,  you  must  roll  it 
the  paint  outside.  I  had  done  the  contrary  ;  but  he 
gives  me  good  reasons  for  his  advice.  I  forget  whether 
I  told  you  that  Breda  is  not  only  the  first  painter  in 
Sweden,  but  really  one  who  would  in  any  country  be 

called  great.      Madame walked  with  me  to  see 

the  church  where  the  ceremony  of  coronation  is  to  be 
performed.  Not  very  spacious,  but  rich  and  magnifi- 
cent. Returning,  met  the  herald  going  round  the  city, 
and  proclaiming  at  different  places  the  coronation 
intended  for  to-morrow.  He  is  attended  by  some 
troops  of  horse,  by  trumpeters,  &c.,  in  splendid  cos- 
tumes. Met  Slade,  Hosack,  and .  Agreed  to 

meet  them  at  dinner  at  the  Merchants  Society  at  ^ 
p.  2.  Went  at  the  hour ;  a  very  handsome  and 
spacious  establishment  arranged  with  perfect  conven- 
ience. The  dinner  and  wine  very  good.  I  prefer 
this  house  to  that  of  the  Nobles.  Baron  Armfelt 
(relative  of  the  other  General  Armfelt  heretofore 
mentioned)  begged  me  to  sit  by  him,  and  he  amused 
me  much.  Says  he  is  72  ;  very  sprightly,  and  has 
been  over  every  part  of  Europe.  On  my  way  home 
met  again  la  pet1.,  who  was  mentioned  about  a  month 
ago,  (we  then  met  at  the  puppet  show  theatre). 
Determined  not  again  to  lose  so  pretty  an  object,  gave 


I     For  la  petite.     The  little  one. 

153 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

an  arm  and  we  walked  to  my  quarters  ;  5/4  rix  dollars. 
Speaks  a  little  French,  sings  very  pretty  and  dances. 
General  Helvig's  card  left  here  to-day.  Took  tea  at 
10. 

30.  After  my  tea  last  evening  I  began  to  reflect 
on  the  folly,  and  took  twelve  drops  of  laudanum,  more 
than  I  ever  before  took  at  a  dose,  to  balance  the  tea. 
Read  till  ^  p.  i  and  lay  down,  but  no  sleep.  At  3 
(sunrise)  the  day  was  ushered  in  by  the  firing  of  can- 
non. Gave  up  the  business  of  sleep,  and  got  up  and 
dressed  at  4.  Got  breakfast  by  6,  and  called  Hosack  to 
aid  me  to  get  the  paraphernalia  for  the  day,  viz.,  hat 
and  sword.  Yesterday  Baron  Munck  wrote  me  a  note, 
enclosing  tickets,  and  telling  me  how  to  get  introduced. 
Went  to  his  room  at  ^  p.  8,  where  took  another 
breakfast  of  mutton-chop,  wine,  &c.  At  ^  p.  9  he 
took  me  to  the  room  of  the  grand  maitre  de  ceremonie1; 
there  another  breakfast,  chocolate,  wine,  cake,  &c.,  of 
which  partook.  At  10  we  went  to  the  church.  Had 
a  very  convenient  seat.  .The  public  dinner  at  ^  p.  6. 
Got  home  from  the  church  at  3.  Took  m'djlk*  and 
bru  for  dinner.  Got  home  from  seeing  the  royal 
family  dine  at  8.  Took  some  weak  tea  and  went  by 
appointment  to  Jacobi's  at  10.  Out  ! 

Stockholm,  July  i,  1809.  Coucbe  at  ^3  p.  n 
and  slept  one  sound  nap  till  y2  p.  7.  At  12  to 
Breda's  (he  has  a  charming  collection  of  paintings)  to 
see  about  the  picture  and  get  my  chessmen  painted  ; 
that  is,  the  heads  of  the  bishops  and  knights.  Breda 


1  Grand  master  of  ceremonies. 

2  For  mjoU.     Swedish  word  for  milk. 


'54 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

was   engaged  painting  the   Countess  of .      Did 

not  see  him,  but  his  wife  and  son  received  me  civilly 
and  would  have  called  him  but  I  forbad1.  To  Wen- 
nerquiest's ;  out.  Home  at  2.  Mojlk2  and  bru  at  4. 
Called  at  Professor  Gahn's  at  7  ;  out.  Home  at  8. 
Madame  d'A.  sent  me  down  somtjillibonka*,  on  which 
I  supped. 

2.  Couche  at  12.  Lev.  at  8.  Auguste  waked 
me  by  appointment  to  go  to  the  silk  manufactory,  but 
we  went  not.  At  */•£  p.  9  took  Auguste  under  my 
protection  and  went  to  Munck's  at  the  Chateau  to 
view  the  procession  and  homage  from  his  windows. 
Found  there  Baron  Armfelt  and  his  two  sons  (13  and 
1 5) ;  Professor  Arnt,  and  several  others  of  both  sexes. 
The  show  most  magnificent  and  in  the  most  perfect 
taste.  The  site  most  happily  chosen  ;  perhaps  no  city 
in  the  world  affords  so  fine  a  Place*  for  such  a  purpose. 
Came  off  at  J^  p.  I,  though  I  believe  it  was  intended 
I  should  dine  there.  Walked  about  an  hour  to  see 
the  crowds  of  all  sorts.  Home  ^  p.  2.  Read  in 
"Anecdotes  of  the  Court  of  Sweden,"  anonymous,  two 
hours.  Fillibonka  at  5.  Dressed  and  went  to  Hel- 
vig's,  being  Madame's  evening ;  out,  all.  Left  card. 
Over  to  Merchants  Society  where  read  the  English 
papers  an  hour.  No  one  of  my  acquaintance.  Home 
at  9.  Two  eggs,  Bro.  and  smor*,  water  and  sugar  pour 
soup6.  Read  two  hours  "Le  Voyage  au  Nor d  par  deux 

I  So  in  the  MS. 

a  Notice  the  variations  of  spelling  in  this  word  and  the  word  for  bread. 

j  A  third  misspelling  of  the  word. 

4  For  French  flace.     Square. 

5  For  smor.     Swedish  for  butter. 

6  For  four  soufer.     For  supper. 

'55 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Francois"1.     La  pet.   Louis,  devait  sy   rendre  a  3  h. 
Mais  ne  vin.  pas*. 

3.  Couche  at  12^.  Lev.  at  8^.  You  see  I 
have  got  up  to  8  again.  At  10  came  in  Hosack.  He 
had  been  last  evening  to  a  bal*  at  the  Park  Djurgarden. 
1 1  un  dame  parl '/  fr.  et  ang.  Spirituelle,  &c.  Sur  le 
champ  entroit  Jacobi.  Then  Capt.  Weidenhjolm,  then 
Bergstrom.  Tous  s'occupaient  beaucoup  de  la  dame  qui 
pretendoit  s  amuser  dans  la  bibliotb.  Restaient  un  heure. 
M'e  part*.  Gave  Jacobi  a  card  for  Mr.  Becker  and 

another    for    le  Juge5 which   he   promised  to 

transmit.  Weidenhjolm  says  I  must  have  mistaken 
the  trappur  upp6  at  Helvig's ;  that  they  were  certainly 
at  home.  Received  invitation  from  Comte  and 
Comptesse  Cronstedt  to  dine  and  sup  jeudi  6  Juliet1; 
now  -as  jeudi  is  the  yth  and  not  the  6th,  what  is  to  be 
done  ?  Wrote,  however,  that  would  come  Thursday 
jeudi  prochain*.  Raining  all  the  forenoon.  Afternoon 
clear  and  fine.  Read  Varia?.  At  7  walked  by  the 
long  bridge  and  Skeeps  Holmen  ;  thence  boat,  the 
free  ferry,  to  Djurgarden  and  aul°  park,  intending  to 
pass  the  evening  at  Wennerquiest's.  Just  before  I  got 
there,  met  Jacobi,  who  enticed  me  to  return  to  the 
Merchants  Society  to  play  chess  and  sup.  On  the 

I     "  Journey  to  the  North  by  two  Frenchmen  "  (F ran^ais). 

T.     For  La  f  elite  Louise  devait  s'j  rendre  a  trail  neures,  mail  ne  vint  fas.      Little  Louise  was 
to  be  there  at  J  o'clock,  but  didn't  come. 

3  A  ball. 

4  At  II  came  in  an  intellectual  lady  speaking  French  and  English.     Immediately   Jacobi 
entered,  then  Captain  Weidenhjohm,  then  Bergstrom.     All  paid  a  good  deal  of  attention  to  the 
lady,  who  pretended  to  amuse  herself  in  the  library.     They  remained  an  hour.     Madame  left 
(fartit). 

5  The  judge. 

6  See  Glossary. 

7  Thursday,  the  6th  of  July  (Juillet). 

8  Next  Thursday. 

9  Various  things. 
10     To  the. 

I56 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

way  met  and  sat  some  time  with  two  U's.  One  jo.; 
nom  encor1.  Played  chess  and  supped.  Hosack  joins 
us.  Supper  and  a  bottle  Moselle  wine ;  i  rix  dollar 
chaque*.  Home  at  n.  Mem.:  Dined  on  fillibonka 
at  5. 

4.  Coucbe  at  i.  Lev.  at  9.  Breakfast  at  10. 
Hosack  came  in ;  begins  to  demeuble*,  having  taken  a 
room  au*  park,  near  Wennerquiest's.  At  1 1  walked 
out  with  Auguste  to  manf.  de  soye  to  order  has5.  To 
Wennerquiest's  ;  find  mais  occupe6 ;  not  bear  telling 
about  my  visit  on  Tuesday  evening.  To  Breda's  to 
see  about  your  picture.  Nothing  yet  done ;  but  his 
son  promises  to  do  it  and  I  am  sure  he  will.  The 
chessmen  done.  Home  at  ^  p.  i.  Wrote  to  Dr. 
Frederic  Schulzen,  Goteborg,  to  take  up  my  letters, 
if  any,  and  transmit  them.  Wrote  Catherine  enclosing 
the  letter  to  Dumont.  Hartshorne  and  Slade  set  off 
for  Petersburg  to-day  at  2  P.  M.  At  4  fillibonka  for 
dinner.  At  5  came  in  Bergstrbm  by  appointment  to 
walk.  To  Catteau's  to  leave  my  letter.  To  post- 
office.  Paid  for  the  letter  to  Goteborg,  5  */£  sch. ;  a 
treble  letter.  Bon  marche1.  (A  new  figure  in  the 
drama.  B.  chant,  parle  tr.  bi.fran.  et  un  p.  ang.  mais  nous 
en  dirons  plus  anon8).  Jacobi  joined  us  at  the  post-office 
and  we  all  went  on  board  a  Prussian  ship  just  about  to 


1  Fortwojungfrus.     Onejolie.      [II  faut  demander  son]    nom  encore,     I  must  ask  her  name 
again. 

2  Each. 

}     To  unfurnish,  i.  e.,  to  get  things  ready  for  moving  (demeubler). 

4  At  the  park  or  in  the  park. 

5  To  the  silk  manufactory  (manufacture  de  suit)  to  order  stockings  (des  tat). 

6  But  he  is  busy.      (  Oceufi.) 

7  Cheap.     (Marche.) 

8  For  Belle ;  chante  ;   farle  tris  bien  fran^ais  et  un  feu  anglais.     Mais  nous  en  dirons  flus 
anon.     Fine  looking.     Sings.     Speaks  French  very  nicely  and  English  a  little.      But  we'll  tell 
more  about  her  presently. 

157 


Private     *J  o  u  r  n  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr. 

sail  for  Pillau  ;  have  a  great  mind  to  go  on  her.  A 
great  levee  (to  which  I  did  not  go)  at  the  Palace  to- 
day, 7  P.  M.  The  trouble  of  dressing  and  the  fatigue 
of  standing  prevented ;  besides  if  his  Majesty  wants 
me,  let  him  invite  me.  Met  Monsieur  Warrendorf 
who  urged  me  very  much  to  go.  A  stupid  blunder ; 
Mrs.  Brooks  and  not  Madame  Baker  was  the  lady  for 
whom  the  card  was  intended ;  of  the  other  I  know 
nothing.  She  was  astonished  at  the  card.  Went  at 
12  to-day  and  left  one  for  Madame  Brooks.  Read 
this  morning  "Playdoyers  et  Jugement  entre  un  Perro- 
quet,  un  Chat  et  un  Chien"  Assez  ridicule  et  bien  fait 
pour  fair e  rire1. 

5.  As  I  was  writing  you  last  night,  I  stopped  to 
hunt  for  the  plays  I  had  read,  that  I  might  give  them 
their  titles.  It  happened  that  the  first  thing  I  laid 
hands  on  was  "JLes  Mines  de  Pologne"  melodrame  en 
prose*,  par  Guilbert  Pixerecourt,  which  I  had  not 
before  read.  It  is  very  long.  One  paragraph  led  to 
another.  I  read  it  through.  It  was  then  2  o'clock  in 
the  morning.  Being  too  late  to  write,  went  to  bed. 
This  melodrama  would  make  a  splendid  and  interesting 
pantomime.  The  incidents  and  scenery  extremely  well 
imagined  for  stage  effect.  "La  Vie  de  Chev";  Faublas, 
eight  volumes  duodecimo  ;  a  nouvelle*.  Well  written, 
rather  free  and  in  the  manner  of  Crebillon  fils4.  Read 
only  the  last  volume.  The  denouement*  is  a  very 

1  "  Pleadings  and  Judgment  between  a  Parrot,  a  Cat  and  a  Dog."      Quite  ridiculous  and 
bound  to  cause  laughter. 

2  "  The  Polish  Mines  "  ;  a  melodrama  in  prose. 
}     "  The  Life  of  Chev  "  ;  etc.,  a  novel. 

4  Crebillon  the  younger,  or  junior. 

5  The  final  unraveling  of  the  plot  (denouement  or  denournent). 

I58 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

incongruous  medley,  and  to  me  shocking  and  disgust- 
ing. "Choir  Gaure"  the  Grand  Orrery  of  the  Ancient 
Druids,  commonly  called  Stonehedge,  by  Dr.  John 
Smith,  1771,  an  extremely  ingenious  work.  These 
last  are  now  mentioned,  though  read  some  days  ago. 
At  5  went  on  board  a  Prussian  ship  just  about  to  sail 
for  Pillau.  Have  a  great  mind  to  go  in  her.  Was 
rowed  by  two  boys,  one  a  Swede  about  15,  perfectly 
beautiful,  gay,  frank,  animated ;  is  a  sailor  at  6  rix 
dollars  per  month.  Speaks  English.  Strong  affection 
for  his  mother,  with  a  laudable  pride  and  ambition. 
At  7  walked  down  to  Wennerquiest's,  having  under- 
stood that  his  weekly  parties  are  altered  from  Sunday 
to  Wednesday.  Found  there  three  or  four  gentlemen 
sitting  with  him  in  the  bower,  drinking  toddy. 
Hosack  came  in.  At  about  sunset  (9  o'clock)  they 
went  off  one  after  another,  except  H.  and  myself. 
We  rose  to  go.  Wennerquiest  said  he  could  give  us 
no  supper,  his  housekeeper  being  in  town  ;  but  offered 
to  go  and  sup  with  us  at  a  tavern,  which  we  declined. 
Note :  He  has  lived  several  years  in  England  !  Home 
by  a  most  beautiful  path  through  the  woods  and  along 
the  lake. 

6.  Couche  at  12.  Rose  at  6  by  force  of  being 
waked  by  my  vielle1  Anna,  as  per  order.  Breakfast 
YZ  p.  7.  Sor.  at  8  to  Bergstrom's,  whom  I  found  in 
bed,  to  remind  him  of  Catteau's  book.  To  Jacobi's  ; 
in  bed,  to  see  about  a  passage  to  any  port  S.  side  of 
Baltic.  To  Captain  Weidenhjolm's  to  settle  a  time 

I     The  writer  is  improving.     He  is  now  within  one  letter  of  the  correct  feminine  form  of  the 
word.     It  should  be  vietlle. 

'59 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

for  visiting  thefoire*  and  to  advise  about  the  Helvigs. 
Read  two  hours  and  dressed  for  dinner.  At  2  took 
boat  to  go  to  Calberg ;  2  8  sch.  rixelf'.  We  were 
thirty  at  table.  Two  Count  Constredts  et  uxs.* ;  M'lle 
Lowenhaupt  et  frere  Major  L. ;  the  whole  family  and 
connections  of  Gahn's,  including  the  Colonel.  The 
Colonel  and  I  just  nodded  to  each  other.  After  din- 
ner came  in  Count  Falkenberg  et  ux.;  a  very  fine 
woman ;  has  been  about  three  years  married.  Poi. 
d'enf*  The  Temple  in  the  Woods  (eight  pillars). 
Lowenhaupt  sang  a  great  deal ;  charming  voice.  Party 
on  the  water;  r amid3 par  Lowenhaupt.  Mrs.  Gahn's 
present.  Les  fleurs.  Les  souvenirs6.  "Don't  forget 
me."  A  very  cheerful  day.  Walked  home  and  arrived 
at  y2  p.  1 1.  There  are  many  pretty  little  incidents  this 
morning  and  evening  which  will  take  some  hours  to 
tell.  I  omit  them  all.  I  ought  to  have  mentioned 

Mr. ,  uncle  of  Dr.  G.,  a  very  sprightly,  cheerful 

man  of  77  who  has  an  office  in  the  Department  of 
Finance  and  has  written  a  book  on  the  subject.  Mr. 
Poppius  is  in  the  judiciary  ;  both  intelligent  and  com- 
municative and  of  course  interesting  acquaintances  for 
me.  M'lle  la  Baronne  de  Charlotte  Heikenskjold 
came  in  this  morning  and  we  passed  an  hour  in  the 
library. 

7.  Couche  at  yz  p.  i  (was  obliged  to  sit  up  late, 
having  supped,  &c.).  Rose  at  7.  At  9  called  on 
Weidenhjolm,  who  proposes  to  go  with  me  to  the 

1  Fair,  market. 

2  See  Glossary. 

3  And  wives.     He  pluralizes  ux.     The  full  form  is  uxorcs. 

4  For  Point  d^  enfants.     No  children  at  all. 

5  From  French  word  ramer.     To  row.     A  hybrid  verb  made  by  the  writer. 

6  The  flowers.     The  souvenirs. 

I  6O 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

minister  Monday  morning.  On  Jacobi  to  engage  him 
to  call  on  me  at  10,  which  he  did.  Charlotte  H.  came 
in  before  him ;  she  and  la  pet1.  Sang  several  songs. 
Charlotte  plays  offhand  anything  you  give  her,  though 
she  may  never  before  have  seen  it.  Found  in  the 
library  a  book  of  Scotch  and  English  songs  of  which 
she  played  several.  At  i  set  off  to  walk  to  Dr. 
Gahn's  to  dine.  Stopped  often  on  the  way  and  arrived 
at  YZ  p.  2.  T:  The  family ;  his  youngest  son,  too, 
who  arrived  some  days  ago  from  Upsala  where  he  is 
at  college ;  Poppius  et  UK.  and  two  souers ;  Colonel  G. 
Dinner  simple.  Un  ver  de  V?  The  hay  harvest ; 
four  men  to  mow  three  acres  in  a  day,  but  took  nearly 
one  and  a  half  days,  being  from  3  A.  M.  to  7  P.  M. 
Gages3,  30  sch.  per  day  and  trinka*.  Five  women  to 
rake.  Soupe.  Point  de  Vi*  Off  at  10.  Arrived  at 
Calberg,  met  there  Lb'wenhaupt.  Her  two  uncles  and 
aunts  just  returning  from  Drottningholm.  Walked 
and  caused  %  hour.  Un  secret.  Un  billet  pour  le  roi 
et  la  reine.  i7th  inst.  Lowenhaupt  y  demeuraif. 
Chez  moi  at  1 1 . 

8.  Couche  at  i.  Rose  at  7.  Called  on  Jacobi 
at  8.  Found  him  abed.  At  10  came  in  la  Baronne 
Charlotte.  Has  a  very  fine  voice.  She  and  our  little 

sang  a  great  deal  for  me.     Jacobi  came  in  to 

confer  about  modes  of  traveling  through  Europe.  At 
1 2  to  Wennerquiest's ;  in  the  country.  To  Baron 

1  For  la  petite.     The  little  one. 

2  For  un  verre  de  v in.     One  glass  of  wine. 

3  Wages. 

4  For  dricla.     Home-brewed  ale  or  beer  was  provided  for  the  harvesters. 

5  For  Soupi.     Point  de  vin.     Supper.     No  wine  at  all. 

6  Walked  and  chatted  [a  hybrid  verb  from  French  causer,  to  chat]  a  quarter  of  an  hour.     A 
secret.     A  note  for  the  King,  etc.     Lowenhaupt  remained  there. 

161 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Munck  au  chateau1;  he  is  at  Haga.  To  Dr.  Gahn's  ; 
not  in  town.  To  Breda's.  T:  La  Comtesse  sitting 
for  her  picture.  She  consented  that  I  should  be 
admitted.  A  very  cheerful,  well-bred  old  lady. 
Mother  of  Baron  Wrangle,  whom  I  meet  so  often  chez 
Madame  Lb'wenhaupt.  Nothing  yet  done  to  your 
picture,  except  putting  it  in  a  frame.  At  5  fillibonka. 
At  7  to  Helvig's.  Met  there  le  Genl.  et  UK.  et  souer 
cadette  just  going  out.  They  insisted  upon  my  going 
in  to  take  tea,  &c.,  and  I  on  walking  out  with  them, 
in  which  I  prevailed.  Walked  over  the  long  bridge, 
over  Skeeps  Island1,  thence  by  boat  to  Djurgarden, 
and  so  on  to  the  park.  Up  the  rocks ;  interesting 
views.  Waffen,  socre  and  svaatrinka  at  the  little  red 
wardshuseP.  Animated  debate  about  the  condition 

and  deportment  of  women.     Thought    M'lle 

beautiful ;  eyes  like  K.  Returned  to  their  door  at  10  ; 
refused  to  go  in ;  bon  soir.  Home  and  supped  on 
three  eggs,  which  was  unnecessary.  I  am  better  sans 
soupe4.  Settled  this  morning  with  d'Aries  for  three 
weeks  including  this  day,  at  3^  rexelt  per  week  ;  io*/£ 
rexelt. 

9.  Couche  at  i.  Lev.  at  7.  La  soupe  ne  vaut 
rien.  Lourd*.  Read  till  4  P.  M.,  not  going  out  nor 
seeing  a  soul.  At  4  came  in  Hosack.  Dressed  to 
call  on  Poppius.  Hosack  goes  to  Dr.  G.'s  to  sup. 
Captain  Weidenhjolm  came  in  at  ^  p.  6,  and  sat  two 

I     At  the  castle, 
z     Skeppsholmen. 

J      fatten,  seeker  and  svagdricla  at  the  little  red  vardshus.     Water,  sugar  and  small  beer  at 
the  little  red  tavern. 

4  Without  supper. 

5  Supper  is  no  good  !     Heavy,  dull. 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

hours  and  a  half.  To  Poppius's ;  out.  Left  cards 
and  walked  on  to  Haga.  Baron  Munck  gone  to  his 
campagne ;  a  fortnight  ago  he  invited  me  to  go  with 
him,  but  went  without  thinking  of  me.  Madame  la 
Bar.,  sa  niece1  and  Professor  Arnt.  Supped  at  10. 
Beaucoup  bit1,  Arnt  walked  with  me  home.  Took 
circuit  through  the  Calberg  woods  to  avoid  the  dust, 
which  is  excessive.  The  marangais1  at  Haga ! 
Hosack  came  in  just  after  I  arrived  and  after  half  an 
hour  went  out  to  his  home.  Read  "  Minuit"  comedie 
en  un  act  e,  par  Desandras4 ;  Paris  :  1798  ;  pretty  little 
bagatelle ;  "  Le  Droit  du  Seigneur*; "  com.  en  J  acfes, 
par  M.  Desfontaines,  1783;  a  very  dull  thing;  the 
music  and  scenery  may  have  helped  it  out. 

10.  Couche  at  i.  Lev.  at  6.  Called  on  Jacobi 
at  9.  At  10  M'lle  Silversparri  (not  so  spelled,  how- 
ever), dame  d'honnerb;  dit  la  mielleur  voix  de  Stockholm7; 
but  Weidenhjolm  coming  in  to  go  to  the  mint,  had 
no  opportunity  to  hear  M'lle  sing.  To  the  mint.  T: 
Mr.  Hjelm,  who  being  exceedingly  occupied  and  hav- 
ing had  no  notice  begs  us  to  call  to-morrow.  Return- 
ing, called  at  Gahn's ;  out.  To  Wennerquiest's  to 
get  some  English  book  to  read  with  Lowenhaupt. 
Found  him  in  his  contoir*  very  busy ;  asked  to  see  his 
library ;  he  said  the  key  was  upstairs  and  begged  me 
to  appoint  another  day  !  How  ridiculous  and  rude  ! 


1  For  la  Baronne,  sa  niece. 

2  For  beaucouf  bu.     Having  drunk  much. 

}  Probably  for  marangouins  [or  maringouins].     Mosquitoes. 

4  "  Midnight,"  a  comedy  in  one  act  by  Desandras. 

5  "  The  Lord's  Right." 

6  For  dame  d'honneur.     Maid  of  honor. 

7  Said  to  be  the  best  voice  (la  meilleure  voix)  of  Stockholm. 

8  For  (omftoir.     Counting-house. 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

Hosack  had  appointed  to  call  at  i,  but  came  not  at 
all.  To  Jacobi's ;  out.  Fillibunc1  at  4.  At  6  to 
Calberg ;  all  out.  'Tis  court  day,  which  I  did  not 
know.  Left  card,  and  also  one  for  General  Comte 
Cronstedt,  who  has  rooms  with  his  brother.  Went  on 

to  Dr.  Gahn's.     T:  The  family  and  Madame , 

niece  of  the  old  gentleman  who  has  written  on  finance. 
Sangaree  and  cakes,  and  after  an  excellent  supper,  the 
first  green  peas  I  have  seen,  returned  his  Scala  of 
Thermom'r,  which  I  had  copied,  and  got  from  him 
H.  Gahn's  letter.  Engaged  his  youngest  son,  who  is 
student  at  law,  to  call  on  me  Wednesday  to  inform 
me  about  judicial  proceedings.  Off  at  ^  p.  10. 

Escorted    Madame  as  far  as   Calberg,  where 

she  took  boat.  Home  at  */£  p.  n.  The  watchmen  ; 
their  Devil's  fork2;  their  long  speech  and  prayer. 
We  always  sup  without  candles,  the  daylight  is  so 
perfect  at  10  that  candles  would  be  ridiculous.  Mem.: 
This  morning  bought  a  paper  of  tobacco  for  8  sch. 
Voyons*  how  long  it  will  last. 

ii.  Couche  at  i.  Lev.  at  yz  p.  7.  Expected 
Captain  Weidenhjolm  to  go  with  me  to  the  mint,  but 
he  did  not  come.  Sor.  at  ^  p.  10.  To  Captain 
Weidenhjolm's  ;  out.  To  Jacobi's  ;  deposited  with 
him  the  watch  ring  !  Don't  be  frightened  ;  it  is  only 
to  make  inquiries,  &c.  On  my  way  to  the  mint,  renc.4; 
5/4  rix  dollars.  Louis  Bruman.  Got  to  the  mint  at 
12.  Mr.  Hjelm,  the  director,  said  he  had  been  ex- 

I  A  fourth  spelling  of  the  word  flbunte. 

^  Doubtless  referring  to  the  pronged  weapons  which  they  carried. 

}  Let  us  see. 

4  For  rencontrai   [une  demoiselle}.     Met  a  girl,  or    [ j  'eus  une]  rencontre.     I  had  a  rencoun- 
ter. 

164 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

pecting  me  since  10  (which,  indeed,  was  the  hour 
appointed),  and  could  then  pass  but  a  few  minutes 
with  me.  Invited  me  to  come  on  Friday  morning, 
when,  he  said,  the  whole  will  be  in  operation.  Saw  a 
common  labourer  melting  gold  ;  several  pounds  weight 
of  it ;  no  one  to  overlook  him ;  all  the  doors  open. 
Home  at  i.  Sor.  again.  To  Mr.  Brook's.  T :  Dr. 

G.  (who  went  out  as  soon  as  I   came  in)  and , 

a  very  handsome  young  Swede  who  appeared  to  be 
very  much  at  home.  Sat  half  an  hour.  Madame  is 
sprightly  and  the  young  Swede  talkative.  To  Helvig's  ; 
all  out.  Home  at  2.  Fillibonka  at  4.  At  y2  p.  5 
walked  out  to  Calberg ;  both  families  out  again. 
Walked  directly  home.  Being  warm,  after  changing 
went  to  Poppius's.  Y:  Mr.  P.,  Mr.  Lary,  and 

.     Had    a    long   and   interesting   conversation 

with  Mr.  P.  on  law  subjects.  You  will  be  charmed  to 
hear  the  results  of  my  inquiries  on  this  head.  Only  to 
think  of  a  people,  the  most  honest  and  peaceable  in 
the  world,  and  not  a  lawyer !  No  such  animal, 
(according  to  English  ideas  of  a  lawyer),  in  Sweden  ! 
But  again  and  again  I  remind  you  that  this  Journal  is 
only  a  memorandum  to  talk  from.  The  most  inter- 
esting and  amusing  incidents  are  not  noted  at  all, 
because  I  am  sure  to  remember  them.  Mr.  P.  urged 
me  to  stay  to  supper,  which  I  declined,  though  hungry. 
Vraimenf1^  I  was  afraid  to  gener*  them,  and  I  mean  to 
see  Mr.  P.  very  often  on  law  subjects,  and  Madame 
on  other  subjects.  She  is  very  pretty,  speaks  French 


I     Truly. 

z     For  gener.     To  incommode  them. 


.65 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

fluently,  and  sings  charmingly.  Home  at  y2  p.  9. 
Three  eggs  and  svaatrinka1  for  supper.  I  learn  that 
Hosack  called  this  P.  M.  during  my  absence. 

ii.  Couche  at  yz  p.  12.  Lev.  at  yz  p.  9.  Ay  ant 
dormi  profondement  toutes  les  9  heures.  Elan  la  vielle 
Anna  m'appelloit  a  6.  Je  I'ai  repondu  sans  m'eveiller*. 
Dressed  and  got  breakfast  with  all  possible  dispatch 
expecting  young  Gahn  who  was  to  call  at  10.  Hereuse- 
ment*  it  was  near  n  when  he  called.  We  went  to 
several  booksellers,  but  the  laws  of  Sweden  in  Latin 
are  not  to  be  found.  To  the  post-office  ;  no  letters  !  ! 
At  i  called  on  Jacobi  about  the  ring ;  out.  On  Dr. 
Gahn  to  get  the  address  of  Engerstrb'm, —  a  son  excel- 
lence Monr  le  Baron  d' Engerstrom,  principal  secretaire 
d'etat  pour  les  affaires  etr angers.,  chevr  des  ordres4. 
Chez  mot  at  2.  Read  an  hour  in  Catteau's  "  Sweden  " 
to  refresh  my  memory  about  the  civil  administration 
so  that  I  may  question  all  my  acquaintances.  At  yz 
p.  3  to  some  booksellers.  At  Ulrick's  ;  sa  fi lie  tres  jos. 
Found  Bentham's  "  Principes  "6.  Home  at  yz  p.  4. 
Fillibonk1  pr.  dine.  Dom.8  de  Helvig  came  in  to  beg 
me  to  tea  and  pass  the  evening.  Tres  volant,  for  M'lle 
Miriam  m  inter esse  beaucoup.  Aussi  sa  soeur,  Madame 
H.9  They  both  paint  in  oil  and  colours  in  a  very 
superior  style.  Walked  with  them  an  hour  au  jardin 

1  For  ivagdricla.     Small  beer. 

2  Bian  isfor  btenque.     Having  slept  soundly  the  entire  nine  hours.    Although  old  Anna  called 
me  at  6,  I  answered  her  without  waking.     ( Je  lui  at,  etc.) 

}     Fortunately. 

4  To  his    Excellency  Baron  d'Engerstrdm,  Chief  Secretary    of  State    for    Foreign    Affairs; 
chevalier  or  knight  of  the  orders. 

5  His  daughter,  very  pretty  (jolie). 
(>    "  Principles." 

7  The  fifth  mode  of  spelling  the  word. 

8  Helvig's  servant,  (domestiqut). 

9  Volunt.  for  volontiers,  willingly.     Very  willingly,  for  Mademoiselle    Miriam  interests    me 
greatly.     Also  her  sister,  Madame  H. 

1 66 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

du  roy1  (Vauxhall).     Returned  to  soupe.     Tres  bi  servi. 

Comble   honef  e.      T:    Colonel  ;    Mr. ; 

Me. ,  qui  poursuit  Gam*.     Home  at  ^  p.  n. 

12.  Couche  at  i.  Having  taken  half  a  dish  of 
tea,  slept  not  a  wink  till  past  5.  Lev.  9.  Young  Gahn 
was  to  have  called  at  10,  but  came  not  at  all.  Sor.  at  1 1 . 
To  Jacobi's  ;  got  back  the  ring ;  nothing  can  be  done 
with  it  here.  To  Ulrick's,  bookseller ;  bought  Ben- 
tham's  "  Principes"  4^2  rix  dollars  banco.  He  took 
in  exchange  for  2*/£  rix  dollars  a  silly  book,  "  Sur  /' 
Imagination*"  which  I  foolishly  bought  on  my  arrival. 
Home.  At  6  went  out  with  Auguste.  To  Mesarie, 
manufacture  de  toys.  Nothing  done.  To  Wenner- 
quiest's ;  out.  To  Breda's,  where  passed  an  hour 
looking  at  your  picture.  I  was  exceedingly  struck  and 
alarmed  to  see  it  pale  and  faded.  Why  was  not  this 
perceivable  before  ?  Perhaps  it  may  arise  from  being 
placed  among  his  portraits,  which  are  very  high  col- 
oured. Yet  the  impression  that  it  is  faded  is  fixed  on 
my  mind,  and  has  almost  made  me  superstitious. 
Home.  Fillibonk  at  5.  At  6  to  Helvig's  ;  sat  an  hour  ; 
gave  to  her  servant  a  note  to  Breda  requesting  him  to 
bring  the  picture  for  her  inspection.  Passed  ^  hour  in 
the  cabinet  of  the  General  H.  qui  est  militaire  scientifique*. 
Two  telescopes  for  measuring  distances  where  an 
object  of  known  dimensions  (a  man  for  instance)  is 
visible.  A  beautiful  invention.  Also  a  watch  for 

measuring   distances   by   sound ;  the  watch  gives  the 
^ 

1  In  the  Royal  Garden. 

2  Returned  to  supper;    very  well  served.      Overwhelmed  with  courtesy    (combli  d'honni- 
teti).     There  were  there  Colonel ;  Mr. ;  Madame ,  who  is  pursuing  Gamp. 

3  "  On  the  Imagination." 

4  Who  is  a  scientific  military  man. 

I67 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

sixtieth  part  of  a  second ;  every  artillery  officer  is 
obliged  to  have  one.  At  y%  p.  7  to  Poppius's.  There 
was  company ;  was  much  urged  to  stay  to  sup,  but 
refused,  though  M'lle  Hoschell  and  Madame  Yjarta 
were  there  and  Madame  P.  is  very  handsome  and  ami- 
able. You  have  before  known  that  I  admire  M'lle  H. 
But  my  object  was  to  talk  law  with  Mr.  P.  and  he 
was  at  the  card  table.  Home  **/%  p.  9.  Read  "La 
Destruction  de  la  Ligue  ou  la  Reduction  de  Paris"  piece 
national  en  4  acts ;  a  Amsterdam,  1782'.  This  is  in 
form  a  dramatic  piece,  but  has  not  any  dramatic  merit 
or  character.  The  author,  however,  has  talents,  obser- 
vation, and  foresight.  It  may  be  read  with  pleasure 
and  approbation.  The  preface  is  45  pages  ;  the  play, 
210  octavo.  The  author  advertises  that  he  should 
shortly  publish  two  other  pieces  of  the  same  kind — 
"La  Mort  de  Louis  XL,  Roy  de  France"  and  "  Pbillippe 
//.,  Roy  d'Espagne"\ 

13.  (Friday).  I  must  be  wrong  about  the  day 
of  the  month,  but  that  of  the  week  is  right.  Coucbe 
at  yz  p.  n.  Waked  and  got  up  */£  p.  4,  having  slept 
enough  ;  but  Som}  begged  me  so  much  to  pass  a  few 
minutes  more  with  him  that  I  consented ;  lay  down 
and  slept  profoundly  four  hours.  Note  :  It  was  rain- 
ing very  hard.  Tojours  abattu*  after  so  much  sleeping. 
Sor.  at  10.  To  the  mint  by  appointment  with  the 
director,  Mr.  Hjelm,  who  very  civilly  took  me 
through  and  showed  me  everything.  Nothing  very 

1  "  The  Destruction  of  the  League,  or  the  Reduction  of  Paris,"  a  national  (patriotic)   piece 
in  four  acts;  at  Amsterdam,  1782. 

2  "  The  Death  of  Louis  XI.,  King  of  France,"  and    "  Philip  II.,  King  of  Spain." 
}     For  Somnus.     Latin  for  Sleep  or  the  god  of  sleep. 

4      Always  depressed. 

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Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

curious,  unless  the  free  manner  In  which  common 
labourers  and  workmen  handle  gold  and  silver  in  great 
quantities,  and  yet  no  fraud  has  been  known.  To- 
morrow I  am  to  have  coronation  medals.  To  Ulrick's 
to  get  the  books  I  bought  yesterday,  he  not  having 
sent  them  home.  Paid  24  sch.  for  the  Laws  of 
Sweden,  one  small  octavo.  Home  at  12.  Then  to 

see  Hosack  at  the  mineral  springs  called ,  about 

two  and  a  half  miles.  Still  raining.  Home  at  2. 
Hosack  came  with  me  to  do  some  commissions  for 
me,  principally  the  6  ducats,  but  Hedboom  could 
not  be  found.  Fillibonk  at  4.  You  can't  imagine  what 
an  epicure  I  am  with  my  filbonk1.  At  5  Hosack 
returned  and  we  played  chess  two  hours.  Read 
"  Kouloup  ou  les  Chinois"  opera  comique  en  prose.  J 
actes.  Par  Guilbert  Pixerecourt.  La  musique  par  N. 
Dalayrae,  memb.  de  la  Legion  d'  Honneur  et  de  Facad. 
roy.  de  Stockholm.  Imp.  et  representee  a  Paris,  1807*. 
The  plot  is  Shakespeare's  beggar  made  king,  but  with 
different  draping  calculated  for  stage  effect.  Sent  by 
Hosack  my  note  to  Bergstrbm. 

It  must  be  the  i5th.  By  looking  back  you  will 
see  where  the  error  began.  Couche  at  12.  Rose  at  7. 
At  8  to  Bergstrom's  to  get  Catteau's  book  on  Den- 
mark ;  to  engage  him  (Bergstrom)  to  visit  the  hospitals 
with  me.  He  promises  again.  Thence  home.  Hosack 
came  in  at  9  to  breakfast,  as  engaged ;  no  other  way 
to  make  him  punctual.  After  breakfast  he  and  I 

1  This,  the  sixth  mode  of  spelling  the  word.     Note  that  he  spells  it  in  two  different  ways  in 
two  successive  sentences. 

2  "  Kouloup  or  the  Chinese  ";  a  comic  opera  in  prose,  in  three  acts,  by  G.  P.     The  music  by 
N.  D.,  member  of  the  Legion  of  Honor  and  of  the  Royal  Academy  of  Stockholm.     Printed  and 
staged  (should  be  imfrimi  et  refriienti)  at  Paris  in  1807. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

played  chess  and  then  Hosack  went  to  hunt  Hedboom 
about  the  ducats  ;  not  found.  At  4  Bergstrom  came 
in  with  Catteau's  book.  Went  to  several  booksellers 
this  morning,  but  bought  nothing.  At  6  to  Helvig's. 

T:  A  Colonel ,  speaking  English  ;  that  same 

Madame ,  whom  I   met  there  on  Wednesday, 

and  the  beautiful  Comtesse  Posse.  Foster  came  in. 
All  off  before  9.  I  the  last  and  sans  soupe.  Home, 
eau  et  br'6\  Read  for  several  days  past  "  Les  Oeuvres 
Post  hum.  de  Marmontel ;"  4  vol.  duod.  sur  Metapbysique, 
Grammaire,  Logique,  Mora/2.  His  style  is  always 
beautiful  and  the  subjects  are  treated  in  a  manner  new 
and  interesting,  except  the  last  (moral],  in  which  I  find 
nothing  remarkable  either  of  idea  or  manner.  The 
d' Aries  go  this  P.  M.  to  Drottningholm.  Note : 
The  Helvigs  engage  to  meet  me  at  dinner  to-morrow 
at  the  mineral  springs  au  Pare*. 

1 6.  Couche  at  12.  Lev.  at  8.  Bad  again.  Sor. 
at  ii  (though  raining)  to  the  Park,  three  miles ; 
arrived  at  12.  Passed  an  hour  with  Hosack.  The 
Helvigs  did  not  come.  At  i  set  off  to  walk  home  ; 
not  sorry  they  did  not  come  pour  des  raisons4  of  state. 
Home  at  2.  Bro  et  mjolk*  for  dinner.  Read  last 
evening  :  "  Les  Confidences  "6,  en  deux  actes,  Paris,  i  803. 
A  very  pretty  little  bagatelle.  This  morning  "Un  Tour 
dejeune  Home" .  Paris:  1802;  i  act  (La, /a.  Has  the 
merit  of  being  very  short)  par  F.  P.  A.  Leger  et  R. 

i  Bread  and  water. 

•L  "  The  Posthumous  Works  of  Marmontel  ";  in  4  volumes  duodecimo,  on  metaphysics,  gram- 
mar, logic,  ethics  (should  be  la  morale). 
i  In  the  park. 

4  For  state  reasons. 

5  Bread  and  milk.     Note  how  he  varies  this  pair  of  words. 

6  "  The  Confidences." 

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Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Chazet1.  At  6  walked  out  to  Gahn's  ;  all  out  except 
M  'He  la  gouvernante1  and  my  beautiful  little  Eva,  with 
whom  played  two  hours.  Passing  and  repassing  Cal- 
berg  saw  no  one  at  the  window  and  did  not  enquire. 
Home  at  9.  Read  Catteau's  "  Danemk1"  Just  now, 

12  o'clock,  comes  in  d' Aries  and  family.     La  belle 

has  been  forbidden  to  speak  to  Mons.4  Gamp.  Supper, 
two  eggs.  The  butter  is  so  bad  that  je  ni  en  passe*. 
Tobacco  out ;  had  to  buy  this  holy  P.  M. 

17.  Couche  at  i.     Rose  at  7.     Wrote  last  even- 
ing to  Baron  Engerstrbm  enclosing    the  letter  of  H. 
Gahn.     At  12  took  the  letter  to  Dr.  Gahn,  who  sent  it 
with  my   card  by  his  servant.     A   note  of  Madame 
Helvig  sent  yesterday  forenoon  has   by  stupidity  of 
servant  come  to   hand  at    i    P.    M.   this    day.     The 
seasonable  receipt  would  have  prevented  my  walk  to 
the   bath.     Wrote   an   answer   to   Madame.     Among 
the  wise  things,  I  congratulated  her  on  the  appearance 
of  fine  settled  weather,  and  since  7  P.  M.  till  7  A.  M. 
Tuesday  morning  (the  hours  at  which  I  write),  it  has 
been  raining  torrents.     To  the  post-office  ;  found  there 
a  letter,  but  from  Gothenburg  saying  that  no  letters 
had  come  there  for  me  !     On  this  point  I  despair,  but 
let  us  [not]  begin  a  new  day  with  despair.      Mem.: 
On  my  way  home  from  the  post-office  an  accident  qui 
me  cout.;  i  r.  d.     Mau.  if. 

1 8.  Yesterday  I  found  *  *  *  *7  tea  that  appeared 


1  "A  Young  Man's  Tour."     Paris  :  1802  ;  I  act  (so,  so;  etc.)  by and . 

2  The  governess. 

j  For  "  Dantmart."    "  Denmark." 

4  For  Monsieur. 

J  I  do  without  it. 

6  For  qui  me  couta  I  rix  dollar.     Mauvais.     rf.     Which  cost  me  I  rix  dollar.     Bad.     15. 

7  Undecipherable. 

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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

to  be  good.  Bought  %  pound,  and  treated  myself  to 
a  dish  by  way  of  supper.  Took  two  cups  moderately 
strong.  Finding  that  I  should  not  sleep,  I  did  not  go 
to  bed.  Passed  the  night  in  reading  French  plays  and 
arranging  my  notes  on  Swedish  jurisprudence.  I  can't 
bear  even  the  smell  of  tea,  though  nothing  more  grate- 
ful. But  the  bare  scent  would,  I  believe,  keep  me 
awake.  Despairing  of  letters,  I  will  wait  no  longer, 
but  be  off.  You  would  never  guess  whither,  nor  why  ! 
In  December,  however,  I  shall  be  on  your  continent. 

P.   M. No   sort    of  disposition    to   sleep.     At    4 

fillibonka.  At  6  to  Poppius's  to  talk  law ;  out.  To 
Helvig's  ;  the  ladies  had  not  left  town.  T:  Silver- 
sparri,  who  sang ;  deemed  the  finest  voice  in  Stockholm. 
Home  at  8  and  set  to  reading  plays.  This  morning 
called  at  Breda's  to  see  your  picture.  It  has  been  varn- 
ished and  is  perfectly  restored.  It  is  very  much  (and 
very  justly)  admired.  How  much  I  wish  I  could  get  a 
copy  made  by  Breda  !  Raining  hard  all  day  and  even- 
ing. Read  till  12.  The  plays  are:  "Le  Judgement 
de  Midas  "',  three  acts,  prose,  par  M.  d'Hele,  Paris  : 
1778;  a  very  trifling  little  thing;  the  music  and 
scenery  may  make  anything  charming.  "Misanthrope 
Repentir"1  traduit  de  r allemand  de  Kotzebu  par  Bursay; 
Paris  an:  VIII.3  I  like  this  better  than  the  English 
translation  under  the  name  of  the  "  Stranger."  "  Cam- 
ille  ou  le  Souterrain"4,  three  acts,  Paris:  1791  ;  par 
Marsollier.  A  jealous  husband  without  any  reasonable 

1  "  The  Judgment  of  Midas." 

2  Should  be  "  Milanthrofit  it  Repentir"     "  Misanthropy  and  Repentance.' 
}  Translated  from  the  German  of  Kotzebue  by  Bursay ;    Paris:   Year  VIII. 

4  "  Camille,  or  the  Vault." 

172 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

cause  confines  Camille,  a  very  lovely  and  virtuous 
woman,  a  whole  year  in  a  deep  vault,  lying  on  the 
ground,  subsisting  on  a  scanty  portion  of  coarse  bread 
and  water.  He  is  suspected  of  having  killed  her,  and 
being  seized  by  order  of  the  King,  the  story  comes 
out.  Camille  is  too  happy  that  her  honour  is  justified 
and  she  restored  to  her  dear  husband.  They  embrace 
and  all  is  made  up  ;  not  even  an  apology  on  his  part. 
Is  it  possible  that  a  Parisian  audience  in  '91  could 
relish  such  a  tale  !  In  the  first  scene  there  is  some- 
thing like  wit  and  humour  ;  afterwards  a  series  of  im- 
possibilities and  absurdities.  "  Le  Jeune  Sage  et  le 
Vieux  Fou"1;  one  act,  par  Hoffman ;  Paris:  1793; 
well  enough  for  a  bagatelle.  "Raoul  Sire  de  Crequi  "*; 
three  acts, par  M.  Monvel ;  Paris  :  1789  ;  well  enough 
calculated  for  stage  effect.  "Felix  ou  I* Enfant 
Trouve"1;  anon.;  Paris:  1778;  impossibilities  and 
absurdities  in  quantity ;  without  wit  or  humour.  "  Jeu 
de  la  Fortune  ou  les  Marionettes  "4;  five  acts,  par  L.  B. 
Picard  ;  Paris  :  1 806  ;  full  of  rapid  reverses  of  fortune  ; 
love  and  friendship  follow  wealth  and  abandon  poverty ; 
men,  women,  servants,  all  rascals,  time-serving,  cring- 
ing sycophants  ;  the  only  exception  is  a  little  paysanne* 
who  adheres  to  her  lover  through  all  changes,  though 
he  had  abandoned  her  when  he  became  suddenly  rich; 
the  design  of  the  play  is  well  illustrated,  but  gives  a 
most  disgusting,  probably  true,  picture  of  the  times. 


I  "  The  Wise  Youth  and  the  Old  Fool." 

a  The  actual  title  is  "  Raoul  de  Crequi.'" 

J  "  Felix,  or  the  Foundling." 

4  "  The  Game  of  Fortune,  or  the  Puppet-show." 

5  Peasant  girl. 


173 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

19.  Instead  of  going   to   bed  at   10  or  11  as   I 
ought,  to  make  up  the  arrears  of  sleep,  read  till  12  and 
then  lay  till  i  sleepless.     Slept  one  profound  nap  till 
10.     Yesterday  invitation  from  Wennerquiest  to  pass 
this  evening ;  conviens1.     Sor.  1 1  to  Hedboom's  about 
the    ducats  and  the  list  of  stages  ;  out ;  left  a    note. 
Paid  YZ    nx  dollar  for  quire  com.  paper ;    40  sch.  for 
tobacco  ;  4^  rix  dollars  for  P.'s  silk  stockings.    Mjolk 
kokas  till  middag*.     Received  this  P.  M.  very  civil  note 
from  Grefve?  Engerstrom   inviting  to  an   interview  at 
i  P.  M.  to-morrow.     Walked  to  Wennerquiest's  at  8. 
T:    Hosack;     Colloni  or    Collins;    magnificent,  fine 
voice ;    several    other    musicians    and    musical    men ; 
Hendrick,  a  German,  settled  some  time  in  Liverpool, 
whom  I  met  at  Daily's  ;  Ludert,  a  very  handsome  and 
interesting  young  Russian  ;  had  been  only  two  years 
in  England,  but  speaks   English  so  as  to  be  mistaken 
for  a  native.     Supper  good.     Came  off"  with  the  young 
Russian  at  1 1. 

20.  Hosack   called  by  appointment  at   7  ;   the 
first  instance  of  punctuality.     Set  him  to  copying  the 
constitution,    of  which    I    have    borrowed    a    French 
translation.     At   i   to  Engerstrom's  ;  recu  tres  honl*. 
un  bel  homme  de  55.     Madame,  polonaise,  who  is  now  in 
Poland,  whence  le  Compte  returned  on  the  late  revolu- 
tion ;  has  a  son,  1 8,  militaire5,  now  here  ;  two  daughters 
with  their  mother.     Dinner  at  the  Society  of  Nobles  ; 

1  For  [jt]  (onvicns.     I  agree. 

2  For  mjolkkaka  till  middag.     Milk-cakes  at  noon.      Probably  a  sort  of  milk-roll. 
}     Swedish  for  Count. 

4     For  re^u  tres  honnitement.     Very  courteously  received. 

;     A  fine    looking  man  of  55.      His  wife  a   Polish    lady  who  is   now  in    Poland,  whence  the 
Count  returned,  etc.      Has  a  son  who  is  a  soldier. 

174 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

an  excellent  dinner.  A  bottle  of  wine  for  Hosack  and 
self;  paid  for  both,  2  rix  dollars,  12  sch.  T:  An 
Eveque*  of  prepossessing  phiz. ;  played  billiards  well. 
Home  at  4.  At  6  to  Calberg.  T:  Madame  and  three 
strangers.  L.  was  out  on  the  lake,  in  sight,  fishing 
party.  Staid  an  hour  and  walked  to  Dr.  Gahn's.  T: 
The  family  only.  Refused  supper  at  both  places. 
Home  at  yz  p.  9.  At  Gahn's  a  kind  of  strawberry  I 
had  not  before  seen  ;  large,  conical,  dull  red,  green, 
and  yellow  ;  dull  colours  ;  in  flavor  like  our  garden 
strawberry.  This  morning  called  on  Mr.  Brooks.  T: 
Klinkerstrom.  Part.  cbe.  luir.  Madame  invites  me  to 
sup  to-morrow  evening. 

21.  Read  last  evening  three  more  French  plays. 
The  best  is  one  which  the  author  announces  on  his 
title  page  had  been  hissed.  The  others  very  silly, 
unmeaning  trash,  neither  wit  nor  incident  to  amuse  or 
interest.  Will  read  no  more  of  them.  Coucbe  at  i. 
Waked,  and  by  my  watch  it  was  */£  p-  7>  but  it  had 
run  down,  and  lo,  it  was  10  !  Slept  profoundly  all  that 
time  and,  contrary  to  custom,  not  the  worse  for  it. 
Note  from  Madame  B.  postponing  her  party  till  to- 
morrow evening,  which  don't  suit  me  at  all,  having 
promised  myself  to  sup  with  the  Helvigs  at  Drottning- 
holm.  £>uoi  faire?  To  Hedboom's  about  the  ducats 
and  list  of  roads  ;  out,  and  nothing  done.  How  that 
good-natured  fellow  plagues  me  !  Home  at  i.  Two 
more  English  mails  arrived  and  nothing  for  us ! 
"  Hist.  Naturelle  des  Femmes  "3,  par  J.  L.  Moreau  (de 


i     For  eviqut.     Bishop. 

a     For  Partit  cbex  lui.     He  went  home. 

}     "Natural  History  of  the  Women.'* 


'75 


Private     y  o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

la  Sarthe)1,  avec  II  planches*.  Three  volumes  octavo  ; 
Paris  :  1803,  curiux*.  "Histoire  de  I'Eglise  du  Japon" 
par  le  R.  P.  Crasset,  de  la  Compagnie  de  Jesus ;  two 
volumes  quarto,  av.  planches4;  Paris:  1715.  The 
miracles,  as  the  compiler,  a  learned  Jesuit,  says,  are  as 
well  attested  as  any  of  those  in  the  New  Testament. 
The  Emperor  of  Japan  did  very  right  to  hang  them 
all,  according  to  their  own  report.  They  were  bold, 
daring  rascalls5,  and  performed  wonders,  if  not  miracles. 
"  Essai  sur  la  Megalantbropogenesie"  par  Robert  le 
jeune  des  basses  Alpes.  Duod.  Paris:  1801.  Dedie  a 
rinstitut  National  de  France*3,  showing  how  talents  of 
every  sort  may  be  perpetuated  by  being  transmitted 
from  generation  to  generation  ;  curious  and  learned. 
"  La  Guerre  d  'Espagne  de  Bavarie  et  de  Flandre,  ou 
Memoirs  du  Marquis  D."  Avec  plans  des  bat's,  &c. 
Imp.  a  Cologne,  1707.  Duod.  654  pa.7  A  medley  of 
love,  politics,  and  war,  tolerably  well  written  and  worth 
perusal,  i.  e.,  the  historical  and  military  part.  Called 
this  afternoon  on  General  Helvig ;  out.  To  Jacobi's. 
T:  Professor  Phillipson  and  Luders,  the  young  Rus- 
sian. They  invited  me  to  walk  in  Kong.8  Garden, 
which  declined.  Philibonka  pr.  aftonmilstid**.  No 
supper. 

I     Of  La  Sarthe,  a  department  of  France. 
2,     With  eleven  plates. 

3  For  curieux.     Curious. 

4  "  History  of  the  Church  of  Japan,"  by  R.  P.  Crasset  of  the  Society  of  Jesus;  two  volumes, 
quarto,  with  plates. 

5  So  in  the  MS. 

6  "  Essay  on  the  Art  of  Procreating  at  Will  Men   of  Lofty  Stature  and  Men  of  Genius  " — 
by  Robert  the  young  [or  younger]  of  Les  Basses  Alpes  [a  department  of  France],  dedicated  to 
the  National  Institute  of  France. 

7  "  The  Spanish,  Bavarian,  and  Flemish  Wars,  or  Memoirs  of  Marquis  D."     With  Plans  of 
the  Battles  [des  tataillei].     Printed  [Imfrimi]  at  Cologne,  1707,  duodecimo,  654  pages. 

8  For  Kungstradgird.      Another  royal   park  open   to   the  public.     It   is   Stockholm's  great 
promenade. 

9  Filbunte  four  aftonmaltid.     Filbunke  for  supper. 

I76 


Private    journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

22.  Coucbe  i.  Lev.  7.  Called  on  Bergstrom 
before  breakfast  and  left  with  him  a  card  to  be  ten- 
dered to  his  uncle  the  advocate,  which  he  promised. 
Home.  Hosack  came  in  at  9  and  took  breakfast  with 
me.  Set  him  to  copy  the  constitution.  To  Hed- 
boom's  ;  found  him  and  got  the  list  of  roads  but  not  the 
ducats.  Dinner,  mjolk  kb'ka1.  At  ^  p.  7  to  Brooks's  ; 
there  were  about  two  dozen  of  each  sex.  La  Comtesse 
Gyllanstolp  neez  De  Geer  de  Finspang ;  son  mart 
colonel  in  the  army  au  Nord*  and  now  there ;  le 
Comte  Jacob  de  la  Gardie,  a  sensible,  well-bred, 
sprightly  man.  There  were  some  at  cards,  some  walk- 
ing and  chatting  when  I  came  in;  all  appeared  content. 
Madame  B.  does  very  well  the  honours  of  her  house. 
I  came  in  very  late ;  6  is  the  customary  hour.  Supper 
at  ii  ;  very  handsome;  came  off  at  12.  It  was  my 
projet4  to  have  walked  after  supper  to  Drottningholm 
(about  eight  English  miles)  and  I  had  ordered  matters 
for  my  reception  at  2  in  the  morning,  the  hour  I 
expected  to  arrive ;  but  this  afternoon  came  the  valet 
de  Helvig  to  say  that  her  carriage  would  call  for  me 
at  1 1  to-morrow.  I  have,  therefore,  given  up,  but 
with  regret,  my  promenade  a  pied^  the  nights  are  so 
lovely.  Snuff — "  Heavens,  Madame,  how  horrible 
for  a  beautiful  woman  !"  "  Yes,  sir,"  says  she,  "  and 
that  /  should  offer  it !"  Aurore6 — "  If  I  do  not  mis- 


1  See  Glossary. 

2  Born,  i.  e.  her  maiden  name. 

3  Her  husband  a  colonel  in  the  army  in  the  North. 

4  For  frojet.     Scheme. 

J  My  walk  ;   literally,  my   promenade   on  foot,  for   the   French  word  promenade  may  also 
refer  to  a  drive  or  horseback  ride. 

6  Aurore  de  Gyllanstolphe. 


177 


Private     jf o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr  . 

take  you,  that  project  is  only  postponed  and  not 
abandoned." 

23.  A  supper  disqualifies  me  from  going  to  bed, 
so  sat  up  till  2.  Before  4  woke  and  feeling  no  incli- 
nation to  sleep  more,  got  up.  Breakfast  at  6.  At  ^4 
p.  7  to  Breda's,  where  we  talked  a  great  deal  of  T. 
"  Good  God,"  says  he,  "  pardon  the  freedom  ;  but 
can  any  man  on  earth  be  worthy  of  that  woman  and 
know  how  to  estimate  her  !  Such  a  union  of  delicacy, 
dignity,  sweetness,  and  genius  I  never  saw.  Is  she 
happy?"  He  almost  shed  tears.  Thence  to  Madame 
Brooks's  ;  not  visible.  To  Comte  Gyllanstolphe  ;  out. 
To  Count  de  la  Gardie,  who  received  me  very  cour- 
teously. Not  being  very  certain  that  I  understood  the 
Swedish  servant  of  Madame  d'Helvig,  went  to  the 
town  house,  where  saw  the  servant,  who  repeated  that 
he  would  call  at  n.  At  1 1  he  did  call;  took  me  to 

,   where,   to   my   astonishment,    saw    Madame 

/  'amie  d'  Helvig1,  seule.  "  Do  you  live  here,  Madame  ?" 
"  No ;  but  my  husband  does."  We  went,  all  three, 
and  arrived  at  i.  Most  friendly  reception.  No  com- 
pany but  the  family  and  us.  *Tant  mienx*.  After 
dinner  I  walked  to  my  lodgings  at  d' Aries's,  about  one 
mile  English.  The  family  of  d'H.  agreed  to  meet 

me  at  6  au  Jardin  du  Roi.     Madame is  at  my 

lodgings,  and  she  insists  that  I  lodge  elsewhere. 
Gam.  thou.  dang1.  So  a  room  was  provided  for  me  in 
the  neighbourhood.  Called  on  Madame  d'Castre  and 


1  The  lady  friend  of  Helvig. 

2  So  much  the  better. 

3  Probably  for  Gamp  thought  dangerous. 


I78 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

then  went  to  d'Helvig's.  Walked  two  hours.  Re- 
turned to  soupe.  Off  at  10.  Bien  content1  with  my 
quarters.  The  old  man  cleaned  his  pipe  and  lent  it 
to  me.  Note  :  I  had  not  smoked  since  9  this  morning. 
24.  Couche  yz  p.  ii.  Lev.  7.  Like  a  log  one 
nap.  At  10  to  de  Castre's.  Only  M'lle  at  home. 
Pursued  Madame  de  Castre  to  the  mineral  bath,  but 
missed  the  way  and  wandered  for  two  hours  in  the 
labyrinth.  No  Ariadne*  to  help  me.  To  the  warm 
bath,  a  large  establishment,  to  engage  bath  at  i.  To 
d'H.;  Madame  and  M'lle  sitting  on  the  grass;  ma 
belle  Mary  Ann  (only  think,  your  favorite  name) 
becoming  daily  more  interesting.  Staid  an  hour. 
Refused  strawberries  and  cream.  To  the  bath  at  i, 
but  failed  from  misunderstanding  with  the  young  lady, 
and  would  not  wait.  Home  for  an  hour,  and  then  to 
d'C.'s  to  dine.  Dined  in  the  arbour  in  the  garden. 

T:   Madame  and  M'lle  de  C.,  and  Madame , 

un  franc aise  qui  ne  manque  pas  cT  esprit1.  Walked  to 
see  the  hay  harvest  and  the  Castor  and  Pollux.  At 
6  to  Helvig's.  The  General  had  gone  early  this 
morning  to  town.  Strawberries  and  milk.  Having 
mentioned  my  determination  to  walk  this  evening  to 
town  they  proposed  to  accompany  me  to  the  bridge,  but 
I  was  obliged  to  go  first  to  my  quarters.  We  roved 
through  the  Gardens  and  they  walked  near  my  resi- 
dence till  I  went  to  change  my  dress ;  joined  them 
again  and  we  parted  near  the  bridge.  We  had  ob- 

1  Well  satisfied. 

2  In  Greek    mythology  Ariadne   was   the   daughter   of  Minos,  King   of  Crete.     She    gave 
Theseus  the  clue  by  means  of  which  he  found  his  way  out  of  the  labyrinth. 

3  A  French  woman  who  does  not  lack  wit,  intellect.     (  Une  Fran^aise,  etc.) 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

served  from  the  house  a  view  of  the  end  of  the  2d 
Pont'1  and  the  road  ascending  the  hill  towards  town  ; 
there  I  paused  to  contemplate  the  house  of  my  friends. 
I  could  just  discern  them  on  the  green  before  the 
door ;  a  white  handkerchief  waved  and  the  signal 
returned,  and  again  and  again  repeated.  I  walked  on, 
slow  promenade.  Presently  overtaken  by  a  paysanne 
with  whom  I  walked  and  was  amused  for  near  three 
miles;  $4  rix  dollar.  Got  home  a  little  past  n,  not 
the  least  fatigued  ;  could  have  walked  back  again  with- 
out reposing.  Warm  watttf1  to  wash  my  feet  and 
mjolk  koku*  for  supper.  A  most  dreadful  misfortune 
and  here  irreparable !  I  have  mourned  over  it  an 
hour  and  more  and  cannot  even  now  write  the  details. 
It  happened  just  as  I  had  finished  the  preceding  and 
was  preparing  in  good  glee  for  bed.  The  beautiful 
little  watch  of  Lepine — both  glasses  broken  !  !  ! 

25.  Couche  i.  Lev.  at  8.  At  10  to  Jacobi's. 
T :  Luders  and  another.  Asked  Jacobi  to  call  on  me 
at  4,  which  he  promised.  To  the  Comtesse  Aurore 
de  Gyllanstolphe ;  out.  You  will  think  this  a  hard 
name  for  a  beautiful  woman.  Nee  Geer  de  Finspang, 
where  is  a  sister  said  to  be  more  beautiful  than  herself. 
Thither  I  was  invited.  Thither  la  Comtesse  goes  on 
Thursday;  about  150  English  miles.  Home.  At  i, 
though  called  a  warm  day,  walked  to  the  mineral 
springs  au  Pare  to  see  Hosack.  He  complained  of 
being  weak  and  unwell.  Laughed  at  him  and  made 


For  [It]  second  font.     The  second  bridge. 
For  Swedish  vattcn.     Water. 
See  Glossary. 


I  80 


Private     J ourn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

him  walk  with  me  home,  two  and  a  half  miles.  Filli- 
bonk  for  dinner.  Read  two  hours  in  Bentham.  To 
General  d'Helvig's  at  7 ;  out.  Home  by  way  of 
Kong.  Garden,  where  a  band  of  music  and  much 
monde1.  Jacobi  came  at  5.  The  watch  can  neither  be 
sold  nor  repaired  here.  Guineas  are  8*4  rix  dollars 
Rexelt  cash,  which  is  about  22  per  cent,  above  par. 
Hosack  changed  his  last  eight  to-day.  No  letters,  nor 
have  I  written  one  since  being  in  Stockholm  save  the 
single  short  one  to  Achaud  on  business.  I  have  fifty 
projects  of  journeys,  all  embryos  and  will  be  all  abor- 
tions. No  letter.  Changed  I  guinea  to-day ;  8  ^ 
rix  dollars.  Paid  H.  2  rix  dollars  21  sch.  in  full. 
The  residue  shall  last  me  a  week.  To-day  a  Russian 
messenger  arrived.  The  preliminaries,  before  Russia 

will  even  treat,  are  :   i .  that  the  Prince  of ,  the 

Emperor's  brother-in-law,  be  declared  successor  to  the 
throne;  2.  the  cession  of  Finland;  3.  that  the  ports 
be  shut  against  Great  Britain.  I  have  never  spoken 
to  you  of  politics,  because  I  have  personally  no  hand 
in  them,  which  will  be  reason  enough  for  you,  and  for 
twenty  other  good  reasons.  We  have  every  few  days 
news  of  the  advance  of  the  Russian  army  towards  us ; 
then  contradicted.  Victories  and  defeats  equally  false. 
Bonaparte  one  day  vanquished,  the  next  victor  ;  some- 
times wounded  or  killed.  Here  are  French  parties 
and  English  parties.  The  former  predominate,  but 
nothing  of  our  violence.  Calm ;  tranquil.  The 
troops  in  town  (here)  are  all  embarking  on  some 
expedition ;  supposed  (indeed  known)  to  aid  the  army 

I     People. 

181 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

of  Vride  on  the  Gulf  of  Bothnia.  There  was  a 
mutiny.  Officers  knocked  down,  &c. 

26.  Couche  i.  Slept  till  9.  At  12  to  Breda's 
to  see  the  picture.  He  has  placed  it  among  all  the 
Goth  and  Vandal  beauties  and  they  are  really  beauti- 
ful, but  all  in  the  shade  by  your  presence.  This  and 
Davis1  has  given  you  great  renomme 2  here.  Au  chateau 
to  see  Baron  Engerstrom.  He  was  engaged  but  gave 
me  rendezvous  at  7  this  evening.  To  Hedboom's ; 
out.  Returning,  seeing  Brooks  and  fille1  at  their 
window,  went  in  for  yz  hour.  Called  on  la  Comtesse 

;  out.     Breda    engaged    me    this    morning   to 

dine  enfam^.^  to  which  agreed  cheerfully.  Went  at  ^ 
p.  2.  T :  The  family,  /.  e.,  two  sons,  one  in  the  naval 
service,  the  other  painter,  both  fine  young  men,  the 
latter  un  fort  esprit'' ;  daughter  of  15  plays  remarkably 
well  and  has  a  most  charming  voice.  Off  at  5.  Dined 
and  went  for  an  hour  to  Mr.  Brooks's.  Y :  The 
Baron ;  invited  to  walk ;  ne  sauroit6.  To  Enger- 
strom's  at  7.  He  never  keeps  me  waiting  a  minute. 
Sat  half  an  hour.  Mentioned  my  design  of  visiting 
Germany,  &c.,  and  he  begged  that,  when  my  route 
should  be  settled,  I  would  inform  him,  that  he  might 
give  me  letters.  To  Helvig's  at  8,  where  sat  an  hour 


1  On  page  151  will  be  found  another  reference  to  Davis  and  his  "  Travels."     Possibly  Mat- 
thew  L.   Davis  is  meant.     He  was  one  of  Burr's  most  intimate  friends,  wrote  the  Memoirs, 
edited  the  Journal  (see  Introduction),  and  wrote  constantly  for  the  newspapers.     For  a  time  he 
contributed  from  Washington  to  the    New  York  Courier  and  Enquirer  under  the   pen  name  of 
"A  Spy  in  Washington."     He  also  wrote  for  the  London  Times,  signing  his  letters  "  The  Gen- 
evese  Traveler."      It  may  be  that  it  was  to  Davis's  letters  to  the  London  Times  that  Burr  refers. 

2  For  rencmmee.     Renown. 

3  Daughter. 

4  For  enfamille. 

5  A  strong  mind. 

6  For  ne  saurais.      I  can't. 

182 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

tete-a-tete1  in  his  library.  Amused  by  his  military 
science,  and  interested  by  his  warmth  and  frankness. 
He  is  a  German  by  birth.  Gave  me  samples  of  pow- 
der which,  he  says,  has  more  than  double  the  usual 
force,  /'.  <?.,  that  a  pistol  of  fifteen-inch  barrel  will  do 
effect  at  200  yards,  and  a  musket  at  600  !  Samples 
of  florite^  a  composition.  Showed  me  a  sort  of  paper 
macke*  for  cannon  cartridges,  much  cheaper  and  better 
than  linen  or  cloth.  A  telescope  for  measuring  dis- 
tance. The  distance  required  is  found  by  mere 
inspection  of  a  graduated  scale  attached  to  the  tele- 
scope. An  instrument  for  measuring  distances  by  time, 
in  form  of  a  watch ;  gives  with  perfect  accuracy  the 
sixtieth  part  of  a  second.  Every  artillery  officer  is 
obliged  to  have  one.  The  cost,  $15.  Moulds,  by 
which  every  part  of  the  musket  or  pistol  must  be 
made,  so  that  every  part  may  fit  every  piece.  (Note  : 
The  ladies  are  at  Drottningholm  ;  Louisa  not  arrived.) 
Home  at  */£  p.  9.  Found  on  my  table  the  Latin 
edition  of  the  Swedish  laws,  which  for  weeks  I  had 
been  seeking  in  vain.  It  came  from  the  Baron 
d'Albedyhll  (whom  I  have  never  seen),  accompanied 
by  a  very  honete 3  note  in  French.  Sat  down  most 
greedily  to  devour  Svenska*  law.  Read  till  i>and  now 
bon  soir.  There  is  a  bal  to-night  at  the  park,  but  I 
went  not,  for  two  reasons  (which  you  may  divine), 
though  much  urged. 

27,     Couche    i.     Rose    7.     Before    breakfast   to 

1  For  tete-a-tete.     Literally  head  to  bead,  i.  e.,  in  close  conversation. 

2  For  fafier-macbi. 

3  For  honnett.     Civil,  polite. 

4  Sveni/i  is  Swedish  for  Swedish.      Svenska  lagen.     The  Swedish  law. 

183 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Bergstrom's,  whom  I  found.  His  uncle  is  a  celebrated 
advocate,  whose  acquaintance  I  wish  to  aid  my  legal 
researches.  To  Breda's  ;  out.  M'lle  sang  and  played 
for  me.  Home  to  breakfast.  Replied  very  honetely* 
to  the  Baron  d'Albedyhll's  note.  To  a  watchmaker 
who  says  he  can  replace  the  glasses  and  that  the  watch 
has  sustained  no  other  injury.  I  danced  for  joy  at 
this  news.  To  Hedboom's,  whom  I  found  ;  got  my 
6  ducats  which  are  now  worth  4  dollars  Rixelt  each. 
He  offered  me  many  civilities.  To  Breda's  again, 
whom  saw  only  to  ask  a  question.  Home  to  study 
law.  No,  I  came  by  Ulrick's,  the  bookseller,  to  get 
a  book  written  by  le  Baron  d'Albedyhll,  which  got. 
Read  a  book  before  you  see  the  author.  Sat  half  an 
hour  with  M'lle  Ulrick.  She  is  beautiful,  very  beau- 
tiful ;  about  1 5,  nearly  your  size  and  form.  Speaks 
German  and  French  fluently.  Her  elder  sister  keeps  a 
bookstore  at  Nykooping  or  Noskyping,  I  forget  which. 
Z)/'/2,  that  she  is  also  beautiful,  knows  all  languages, 
ancient  and  modern,  &c.,  &c.  Single;  boit'e*.  Home 
at  Y2  p.  2.  Read  the  Baron's  book.  Only  about 
fifty  pages,  extremely  well  written  in  French.  The 
rest  of  the  volume  is  made  up  of  documents  and 
public  letters.  The  subject  is  a  history  of  the  armed 
neutrality,  the  whole  merit  of  which  has  been  given  to 
Catherine  of  Russia.  No  such  thing  !  It  originated 
in  a  treaty  made  between  Denmark  and  Sweden  in 
1756;  renewed  between  them  in  1779.  Catherine, 


1  A  hybrid  adverb  made  from  the  adjective  mentioned  in  note  3,  preceding  page. 

2  Said. 

i      For  botteuie.     Lame. 


l84 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

during  all  that  year,  and  till  July,  1780,  refused  to 
come  into  it,  fearing  the  effect  on  the  belligerent 
powers.  At  length,  in  that  month,  by  the  influence 
of  Count  Panin,  her  minister,  she  acceded.  At  5  to 
Judge  Poppius's,  whom,  fortunately,  I  found  smok- 
ing in  his  office.  He  would  transfer  me  over  to  his 
beautiful  wife  till  he  made  his  toilette* ;  but  I  sat  down 
and  took  a  pipe,  and  had  an  hour's  very  satisfactory 
conversation  with  him.  Went  in  to  tea,  but  took 

none.     T :    Madame  Djyrta  and   M'lle  ,  her 

sister.  At  8  to  Helvig's  to  see  for  Louisa ;  out ;  not 
even  a  servant.  Home,  and  sat  to  read  law.  Filli- 
bonka  at  4.  No  supper.  I  do  not  report  to  you  my 
Swedish  law ;  that  has  a  separate  department,  and 
many  curious  things  will  be  found  in  it.  Met  Mrs. 
Daily  in  the  street  this  morning. 

28.  Couche  YZ  p.  12.  Rose  6.  Breakfast  at  7. 
At  8  to  the  watchmaker's.  He  has  put  in  both  glasses 
and  mended  the  hinge  of  the  case,  which  was  not 
broken  by  accident  but  actually  worn  out.  Everything 
wears  out ;  you  will  wear  out.  No,  alas  !  you  perish 
joyless  in  those  infernal  swamps.  I  wear  out  slowly. 
Really  slowly,  as  you  see.  But,  for  all  this  watchwork, 
you  will  be  surprised  to  hear  that  I  paid  only  i  rix 
dollar  rixelt,  nominally  3  shillings  sterling,  but  in  fact 
only  2  shillings  and  6  pence.  To  Baron  d'Albedyhll's 
just  before  9  ;  out ;  in  fact,  he  was  not  dressed.  To 
Helvig's,  just  to  inquire  for  Louisa  ;  she  has  not  come. 
The  impudent  huzzy  sent  me  a  message  of  compli- 


185 


Private     yournal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

ments.  Engaged  to  pass  the  day  with  the  family  at 
Drottningholm  on  Sunday.  Propose  to  walk  up  Sun- 
day night.  Home  and  went  to  work  at  Swedish  law. 
Ludert,  the  handsome  young  Russian,  came  in  at  1 1 
and  sat  an  hour.  Of  Romanzow ;  Gate  ;  disposition 
of  Russian  army  toward  the  French  ;  meeting  of  two 
regiments  and  twenty-six  officers  condemned  to  be 
shot ;  two  actually  shot ;  of  Russian  finances  ;  copper, 
paper  money,  depreciation  of.  Fillibonka  at  3.  At  5 
called  on  Madame  Daily  ;  out.  Walked  over  to  Cal- 
berg ;  met  la  bel.  Comtesse  Lowenhaupt  at  the  door ; 
walked  with  her  toward  the  park  ;  three  ladies  fol- 
lowed ;  asked  la  Comtesse  in  English  who  they  were; 
one  of  them  addressed  me  in  very  good  English  and 
introduced  the  others.  Cakes,  tea,  &c.,  a  very  pleasant 
drink  made  of  small  beer,  wine,  lemons,  sugar.  Much 
monde  came  in.  General  Cronstedt,  ux.  et  trois  enf.1; 

Baron  or  Count ,  who  is  appointed  minister  to 

France ;  Stul,  a  young  officer,  his  secretary  ;  la  belle 
Comtesse  Bonj,^//  the  most  beautiful  woman  in  Stock- 
holm, and  many  others.  The  two  belles  sang  and 
played,  both  very  fine  voices  ;  c  est  trap*  Astonishing 
that  two  belles  should  be  such  devoted  friends  ;  very 
honorable  to  both  and  very  amiable.  Stole  off  at  8  ; 
and  have  spent  two  hours  in  getting  the  powder  out  of 
my  hair.  Company  to  supper  with  d'Aries ;  invited 
but  decline.  My  eyes  have  suffered  by  much  read- 
ing ;  must  relax  to-night. 

29.      Couche    ii.     Slept    sound    till    8!     At    10 

1  For  uxor  et  trois  enfantt.     Wife  and  three  children. 

2  Literally,  that  is  too  much  !      Perhaps  it  might  be  translated  :   That  caps  the  climax  !    That 
beats  me  ! 

1 86 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

called  on  Ludert.  He  showed  me  a  collection  of 
Russian  songs,  indegines1,  and  promises  to  procure  me 
a  copy.  Home.  At  1 1  sor.  with  Mr.  Gransbom  chez 
orfevrieri.  Changed  5  ducats  for  4  rix  dollars  8  sch. 
rexelt  cash,  which  is  about  30  per  cent,  above  their 
cost  in  London.  Mr.  G.  has  agreed  to  go  with  me  to 
Gripsholm.  We  pursued  our  walk  to  find  a  passage 
by  water ;  found  three  sloops  going  this  evening,  and 
resolved  to  go  in  one  of  them.  To  the  bank  to  get 
some  silver.  To  Hedboom's  for  letter  which  he 
offered  for  his  friend  at  Gripsholm  ;  out ;  left  note. 
Wrote  Munck  and  Gahn  for  the  letters  which  they 
offered  me  for  the  same  place.  Sent  Gosse  (poike*) 
with  the  letters.  Hosack  came  in  at  1 2  looking  better 
than  what  I  have  seen  him.  Fillifyonka  at  2.  Busy, 
busy,  busy,  preparing  for  the  jaunt. 

Drottningholm,  Sunday,  July  30,  1809.  Yester- 
day noon  I  told  you  that  I  was  just  setting  off  for 
Gripsholm  where  the  deposed  King,  his  Queen,  and 
family  are  now  confined.  At  6  P.  M.  (yesterday) 
went  again  to  the  sloop  to  see  the  hour  of  departure  ; 
it  was  deferred  till  Monday  P.  M.  Hosack  walked 
with  me.  Resolved  to  improve  the  interval  by  a  visit 
to  this  delightful  sejour4,  now  rendered  still  more  inter- 
esting by  the  presence  of  the  d'Helvigs.  Set  off  at 
9,  a  most  serene  and  mild  moonlight  evening.  Passing 
the  last  bridge,  which  I  was  very  intently  measuring 
by  steps,  heedless  of  a  party  just  passing  me,  when  a 


1  For  indigines.     Native. 

2  For  orfivre.     Goldsmith. 

}  For  fojke.     Swedish  for  boy. 

4  For  lijtur.     Abode. 


I87 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

man  put  his  hand  on  my  shoulder  and  stopped  me. 
It  was  General  d'Helvig,  the  three  souers1,  Louisa  hav- 
ing arrived  from  Upsala,  M'lle  la  Baronne  Silver- 
sparri,  and  M'lle  F.  I  was  not  the  least  fatigued ; 
walked  with  the  Helvigs  in  the  park  and  gardens  till 
12.  Went  to  my  lodgings  ;  all  asleep  and  fast  locked; 
tried  at  d' Aries's ;  ditto ;  knocked  hard  at  each ;  no 
movement ;  resolving  not  to  lay1  in  the  street,  fenfon- 
cai  le  porte*  of  my  lodgings.  The  old  man  et  ux.  came 
down  in  some  trepidation,  got  light,  and  my  bed  was 
ready.  Not  a  mouthful  of  bread  or  milk  or  anything 
eatable  or  drinkable  to  be  had  save  pure  water.  Hav- 
ing dined  on  fillib.*  and  walked  at  least  ten  miles,  a 
supper  would  have  been  welcome.  Couche  at  i. 
Attacked  by  epinaises*.  Fought  hard  till  4,  slaying 
thousands,  but  the  number  of  the  enemy  increasing, 
resolved  on  a  retreat.  The  sun  had  risen  ;  began  by 
taking  the  sheets,  coverlid,  and  pillows  out  doors, 
beating  and  shaking  them  well ;  then  stripped  and 
changed  my  clothes,  and  laid  me  on  the  floor.  Got  a 
sound  nap  of  five  hours.  Rose  at  10.  Found  note 
from  d' Aries,  inviting  me  to  dine,  which  declined, 
proposing  to  dine  at  d'Helvig's.  Sor.  12  to  d'H.;  all 
out  and  could  not  understand  where  they  had  gone, 
the  domestics  being  all  Swedes.  Eat  cherries  and 
strawberries  in  the  garden  till  could  swallow  no  more. 
Read  a  pretty  little  French  comedie,  "  Un  Heure 


1  Burr's  spelling  for  soeurs.     Sisters. 

2  So  in  the  MS. 

3  For  fenfon^ai  la  forte,     I  broke  in  the  door. 

4  His  favorite  filbunte. 

j  For  funaises.     Bedbugs. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

d' absence1"  The  statues  in  the  garden  all  crowned 
with  wreaths  and  garlands  ;  must  be  some  jour  de  fete1. 
Staid  till  yz  p.  i.  No  signs  of  return,  ghioi  faire? 
Ou  din}?  To  the  bath  ;  took  warm  bath,  y$  rix  dollar  ; 
cheap  enough  and  everything  in  excellent  order.  At 
5  to  d' Aries's.  T  a  grn.  bowl  fillibonca*.  Chez  moi  to 
put  up  my  things,  which  d'A.  takes  to  town  in  his 
cabriole.  At  7  to  d'Helvig's.  Found  the  whole  family 
returned  and  reposing,  having  been  on  a  party  to  the 

Hat  mountain,  where   King ,  being  dethroned 

and  pursued,  lost  his  hat ;  afterwards  recovering  his 
throne.  The  family  presently  appeared.  Tea.  Gar- 
den. Yesterday  was  the  anniversary,  the  sixth,  of  the 
marriage  of  Mr.  d'H.  We  played  ball.  Louisa 

much    more    expert    than    Gamp.      Colonel    , 

came  in  and  off  before  supper.  I  staid  to  supper,  to 
which  did  justice.  At  ^  p.  10  came  off  to  walk 
home,  and  now  at  i  you  see  me  in  my  room  adjoining 
the  library  at  d' Aries'  in  Stockholm. 

Stockholm,  July  31,  1809.  Couche  */2  p.  i  but 
could  not  sleep  till  4.  Lev.  9.  Having  my  keys 
always  in  my  pocket  I  go  out  and  come  in  at  any 
hour  without  disturbing  the  servants ;  have  my 
maches5  and  candle,  &c.  At  1 1  to  Jacobi's  ;  out. 
To  Ludert's ;  out.  To  the  docks  to  see  about 
our  sloop  for  Gripsholm ;  gone,  all  gone !  Home 
at  i.  Changed  a  guinea  for  8  rix  dollars,  24  sch. 
Note  from  Dr.  Gahn  enclosing  letter  to  his  sister 

1  "An  Hour's  Absence." 

2  Feast-day. 

J     For  Quoi  faire  ?     Ou  (feut-on)  diner  >     What's  to  be  done  !     Where  may  a  fellow  dine  f 

4  Had  there  a  large  (grand)  bowl  of  filbunle.     His  spelling  is  the  seventh  variation. 

5  So  in  the  MS. 

189 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

at  Gripsholm.  Note  from  Munck  saying  that  his 
friend  has  left  Gripsholm  and  come  to  reside  in 
Stockholm  and  he  knew  no  other  person  at  Grips- 
holm.  No  letter  from  Hedboom.  Thinking  it  very 
proper  to  have  a  letter  from  some  man  in  office,  wrote 
to  Baron  Engerstrom,  who  had  offered  me  letters  to 
every  part  of  the  kingdom,  that  I  should  set  off  for 
Gripsholm  on  Thursday.  Took  the  note  self;  saw 
his  secretary  ;  the  Baron  then  very  busy,  appointed  to 
see  me  Wednesday  5  P.  M.  Home.  Mjolk  coka1  at 
4.  Went  along  the  docks  with  Gransbom,  but  could 

i  O  ' 

find  no  vessel  to  Gripsholm.  Home  at  4.  Finished 
reading  the  mem.  of  Baron  Albedyhll,  /'.  e.,  the  first 
volume,  the  only  one  I  can  get.  He  writes  well ; 
sometimes  diffuse  ancf  declamatory ;  much  political 
information  concerning  the  periods  he  was  employed  ; 
says  he  now  lives  on  a  pension  of  200  rix  dollars, 

reduced  by to  150.      How  in  the  devil  can  a 

man  live  on  that  ?  Living  with  the  utmost  economy 
I  have  spent  more  the  three  months  I  am  in  Sweden, 
but  here  is  a  French  Cheva/.2  who  lives  on  $48  per 
annum,  and  is  always  gay.  I  must  take  some  lessons 
from  him.  Took  about  a  gill  more  than  was  usual  of 
mjolk  for  dinner  •par  la  toute  misplais  </AnnaJ,  which 
has  brought  on  a  headache.  Have  taken  Rhad.  Rhei4 
and  go  coucbe.  Mem.:  Went  this  P.  M.  to  d'H.  with 
a  pistol  which  wants  repair.  He  repeats  to  me  the 
wonderful  ported  of  his  firearms.  Pistols  the  same 

1  See  Glossary. 

2  For  chevalier.     Cavalier.     Knight. 

J     To  Anna's  total  displeasure.     ( Misplait.  for  deflaisir. ) 

4  For  Radix  Rhei.     Latin.     Rhubarb. 

5  For  fcrtie.     Range. 

I9O 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

length  of  barrel  as  mine,  eighty  yards,  point  blank  ; 
muskets,  250  to  300  yards  point  blank.  I  am  almost 
incredulous,  though  he  is  scientific  and  exact.  We  are 
to  make  experiments  some  day  next  week.  He 
showed  me  at  Drottningholm  a  very  curious  air  pistol 
of  great  force.  We  tried  it. 

Stockholm,  August  i,  1809.  Couche  */£  p.  n. 
A  bad  night ;  troublesome  headache,  though  not 
violent  yet  genant'1.  Rose  at  9;  took  common  tea; 
la  pauv.  Anna1  very  solicitous.  At  n,well  and  sor. 
av.  Gransbom  to  hunt  passage.  We  discovered  that 
our  sloop  and  all  the  others  in  that  quarter  had 
been  impressed  for  the  public  service,  but  found  the 
King's  yatch3  which  goes  regularly  every  week  to 
Gripsholm,  but  she  is  to  go  at  4  to-morrow  morning. 
&)uoi  faire  with  my  appointment  chez  d'Engerstrom 
and  his  lettre*?  Breakfast  at  2.  Tea  and  salt  herring. 
Again  to  the  yatch.  Fortunately  she  will  not  sail  till 
Thursday  morning ;  how  fortunate  !  Ludert  called 
this  morning  and  sat  an  hour ;  gave  me  a  Russian 
rouble  and  is  to  get  me  more.  Says  I  can  readily 
get  a  passport  from  Count  Romanyoff.  Advises  me 
to  write. 

2.  Couche  at  i,  but  insomnia;  got  up;  read, 
smoked,  &c.,  all  to  no  purpose.  At  5  lay  down  and 
rose  at  7.  It  was  necessary  to  be  up  at  7  to  give  to 

,  the  Russian  messenger,  a  letter  for  Count 

Romanyoff.  At  8  to  Ludert's  who  introduced  me  to 

1  For  genant.     Troublesome. 

2  For  la  fautire  Anna.     Poor  Anna. 
]     So  throughout  the  MS. 

4     Letter. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

the  Russian  messenger ;  a  Swedish  officer  always  pres- 
ent. Thence  to  Breda  to  take  a  look ;  you  had  a 
bluish  cast  this  morning  which  I  didn't  like.  Engaged 
young  Breda  to  go  with  me  this  P.  M.  to  the  Academy 
to  see  the  exhibition  of  paintings.  Bought  a  map  of 
the  government  or  district  at  Stockholm  ;  i  rix  dollar 
banco.  Home,  expecting  Hosack,  who  ought  to  write 
by  this  Russian  messenger  a  letter  on  which  his  very 
existence  depends  ;  have  been  urging  him  a  fortnight ; 
it  could  be  done  in  fifteen  minutes,  but  will  not  be 
done.  Met  Lagman  Poppius  yesterday,  who  prom- 
ised to  get  me  Cautzler  and  Coxe,  which  he  will  not 
do.  Jacobi  engages  me  to  dine  with  him  to-day.  At 
i  came  in  the  Russian  messenger  with  his  escort ;  sat 
YZ  hour.  Bien  hon1.  At  */£  p.  2  to  Jacobi's  to  dine. 
At  5  to  Baron  Engerstom's ;  promises  to  send  the 
letter  this  evening.  T)ub%.  Bien  hon.  To  General 
d'Helvig's,  who  had  promised  to  send  me  a  small  rifle 
for  our  amusement  on  the  water,  which  he  has  forgot- 
ten ;  out.  Met  at  the  door  a  gentleman  whom  I  had 
so  often  met  at  d'Helvig's  but  whose  name  1  had 
never  heard.  It  proves  to  be  the  very  Baron  d'Albe- 
dyhll  whom  I  have  been  seeking  without  knowing  that 
I  had  found  him.  Mentioned  to  him  my  tour  to 
Gripsholm.  He  begged  me  to  take  charge  of  a  letter 
to  his  wife,  who  is,  as  he  sais3,  directly  on  the  route. 
While  at  Jacobi's  finished  my  letter  to  RomanyofFand 
gave  it  to  Ludert.  It  is  a  great  plague  to  me  to  write 


I     For  Bien  honnete.     Very  civil,  polite, 
z     For  Latin  dubita.     I  doubt  it. 
}     So  in  the  MS. 


192 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

in  French.  Gransbom  has  been  to  the  yatch.  She 
will  go  at  4  A.  M.  to-morrow,  pos1.  At  7  to  d'Hel- 
vig's  again ;  out.  Nine  o'clock,  and  the  letters  of 
d'Engerstrom  not  come  !  Cannot  go  without.  Mr. 
G.  has  just  gone  for  them.  Heigh  ho !  nobody 
punctual.  The  Russian  messenger  gone  without 
Hosack's  letter.  Baron  d'Albedyhll1  sent  servant  with 
his  letter  and  minute  directions  how  to  find  the  house. 
This  is  doing  things  right.  Have  mislaid  Gahn's 
letter  to  his  sister ;  damage*!  There  are  three  beauti- 
ful daughters,  all  speaking  French.  To-morrow  shall 
write  you  stylographically  on  the  water.  Bon  soir. 
Curse  those  swamps  and  the  latitude  of  35*.  Now 
you  feel  it.  Alas,  where  are  those  roses  which  cost  an 
empire  to  restore  !  Past  10  o'clock.  Messenger  from 
Baron  d'Engerstrom  with  four  letters  for  Gripsholm 
and  Upsala  !  Bon  soir. 

Upsala,  Thursday,  August  17,  1809.  This  is 
more  legible  but  less  convenient  and  it  makes  but  one 
copy.  'Twas  a  bad  calculation  to  bring  only  that  little 
book.  How  could  I  forget  to  tell  you  of  a  new 
acquaintance  ?  Yesterday  Mr.  Turner,  who  is  from 
good  nature  the  cicerone  of  all  strangers,  told  me  that 
there  was  a  traveler,  a  Prussian,  who  had  a  great  desire 
to  see  me.  He  was  brought  up  and  presented.  A  man 

1  Positively? 

2  Baron  d'Albedhyll  had  great  admiration  for  Burr.     In  a  letter  dated  September  24,  1809, 
he  asked  him   for  some   particulars  of  his  life  and  said  :     "£n  attendant  je  vous  prierai  de  me 
tendre  plus  que  tout  cela,  c'est  la  faveur  de  votre  amiti'e,  et  de  votre  souvenir  !  et  je  vous  of  re  en 
retour  rhommage  de  la  consideration  et  de  Vattacnement   les  plus  sincere!  ;  qui  vont  vous  suivre 
en  tout  sens,jusque  dans  Vautre  monde.     (Meanwhile  I  shall  beg  you  to  grant  me  more  than  all 
that,  namely,  the  favor  of  your  friendship  and  remembrance.      I  offer  you  in  return  the  homage 
of  the  most  sincere  esteem  and  attachment;  which  will  accompany  you  whithersoever  you  go, 
even  into  the  other  world.) 

}     For  c'est  dommage.     It's  a  pity  ! 

4    Burr  refers  to  the   malarial  conditions   where  Theodosia  resides.     He   is  alarmed   for   her 
health. 

193 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

of  about  34  ;  a  very  intelligent  and  prepossessing  coun- 
tenance. His  name,  H.  Earth.  More  I  know  not, 
but  we  are  to  meet  in  Stockholm.  He  speaks  English 
fluently,  is  very  chearful1,  and  has  that  amiable  German 
frankness  and  bonhomie*  which  I  do  so  love.  Couch, 
h.  au  soi?  at  10,  but  having  drank  a  dish  of  coffee 
chez  le  Gouverneur4  could  not  sleep.  Got  up  and 
dressed  and  walked  abroad  near  an  hour  very  fast  to 
fatigue  myself.  I  had  before  walked  about  five  miles, 
but  all  to  no  purpose,  so  set  me  down  to  read  the 
Latin  edition  of  the  Swedish  laws.  About  2  got 
asleep.  Rose  at  6.  To  Turnberg's  at  7.  Found 
him  dressed  and  our  coffee  was  immediately  served, 
brought  in  by  a  pretty  maid,  with  dry  bread.  After- 
wards, bread,  butter,  pickled  eel,  and  smoked  salmon, 
both  very  good,  with  brandy  and  cordials.  Mr.  T. 
took  no  brandy  ;  we  both  drank  water.  He  offered 
me  a  copy  of  his  "  Travels  "  in  Swedish,  which  I  very 
foolishly  declined.  He  answered  with  great  cheerful- 
ness my  questions  about  Japan.  I  had  made  notes  so 
that  nothing  might  be  forgotten.  Pray  read  his 
"  Travels";  they  will  amuse  you  much  and  then  you 
may  question  me.  You  may  believe  every  word  he 
writes.  You  are  perhaps  ignorant  that  in  Japan 
women  are  as  free  as  in  any  part  of  Europe  and  I 
think  rather  more  so,  but  I  cannot  now  (perhaps 
never)  commit  to  writing  all  he  says.  Staid  two 
hours.  We  exchanged  abundance  of  civil  expressions 


1  So  in  the  MS. 

2  Good  fellowship. 

J  For  [jt  me]  couchai  hier  au  soir.     Retired  last  evening. 

4  At  the  Governor's. 


194 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

and  have  agreed  to  keep  up  an  intercourse  after  my 
return  to  America.  Home  at  10.  You  know  we  are 
to  go  off  this  morning  to  Sigtuna.  Called  on  the  Gov- 
ernor to  take  leave.  He  was  under  the  hands  of  his 
hair-dresser  but  would  see  me.  Staid  a  few  minutes. 
Did  not  see  mademoiselles  les  baronnes1.  Engaged  to  see 
him  in  Stockholm,  where  he  is  to  be  next  week.  On  my 
return  home  found  Afzelius,  Jr.  He  proposes  instead 
of  going  now  to  Sigtuna  to  make  a  tour  to  the  mines 
of  Dannemora,  which  suits  me  perfectly  well.  Are  to 
set  off  at  3  and  return  to-morrow.  Called  on  Mr. 
Turner  who  gave  me  a  great  number  of  pamphlets  by 
the  different  professors  and  other  matters  of  curiosity 
and  information.  A  basket  of  cherries  and  a  very 
pretty  note  from  Madame  Afzelius  la  jeu*  A  watch- 
man in  the  steeple  with  an  immense  speaking  trumpet 
proclaims  the  hour  throughout  the  day  as  well  as  the 
night  and  immediately  after  the  clock  strikes,  in  a 
melodious  tone  of  which  not  a  syllable  is  articulated. 
No  line  from  Hosack  in  answer  to  those  which  I  wrote 
him  on  Friday  last.  The  young  etudiant*,  Mr. 
Hoxsam,  came  in  again.  He  has  been  to  the  Lasesall- 
skap  i  handelsman*  Borell,  where  I  shall  be  always 
welcome.  The  newspapers,  foreign  and  domestic,  are 
found  there.  Afzelius  junior  has  sent  me  two  more 
books  on  the  ancient  laws  of  Sweden.  One,  [by] 
Joh.  O.  Stiernhook,  "  De  Jure  Svenorum  et  Gothorum 


1  The  baronesses. 

2  For  la  jeune.     The  young;  hence  the  young  Mrs.  Afzelius. 

3  For  itudiant.     Student. 

4  Swedish.     Reading-circle  at  the  house  of  the  merchant  Borell. 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Vestuto."  Lib.  duo.^  Holmix :  1672'.  Second,  "Leges 
Svecorum,  Gotborum "  per  Doctor  em  Bagwaldum  In- 
gemvrdi,  Eccle.,  archid.  Ubsalensis,  an.  1681  latinatate 
primum  donate — a  new  edition  by  Johannes  Massenius; 
Stockholm  :  cioiocxiv.4  Third,  "  Zo'/ioA^z?/'  (I  can't 
make  Greek  letters  as  you  can),  Primus  Getarum  Legis- 
lator, etc.,  etc.  Carolo  Landio.  Upsala:  CIOIOCLXXXVII*. 

Si  Venerem  fugias  frustra  proper  abis  ad  arc  ton 
Hoc  quoque,  quis  credat !  climate  regnat  amor*  . 

1 8.  The  Doctor  had  sent  his  horses  and  servant 
for  our  carriage  and  rode  with  us  to  Desubro5  where  is 
the  chateau,  &c.  Off  at  ^  p.  2.  Separate  at  8. 
Took  tea  with  the  Haradshofding6.  Pas  vu  M'e.  Tant 
pis1.  Home  at  9.  The  whole  family  seemed  rejoiced 
to  see  me.  Read  Zamosis8  and  Svenscba9  law  till  12. 
The  distance  from  Upsala  to  Dannemora  is  about 
thirty  miles.  Our  whole  expense,  including  horses, 


19.  Coucbe  at  i.  Much  *  *  *  *10  when  afoot. 
Rose  at  7.  After  breakfast  walked  to  the  landing ; 
found  two  sloops  going  to  Stockholm  on  Monday. 
Price  for  a  passage,  16  sch.  banco,  the  distance  being 
by  water  about  sixty  miles.  Yesterday  called  on  the 

I  Latin.  "  Concerning  the  Old  Law  of  the  Swedes  and  the  Goths";  in  two  books;  Stock- 
holm :  i6yz. 

a  "  The  Laws  of  the  Swedes  and  the  Goths."  First  presented  in  Latin  by  Doctor  Bagval- 
dum  Ingemurdi,  Ecclesiastic,  Archdeacon  of  Upsala,  in  the  year  1681.  A  new  edition  by 
Johannes  Massenius;  Stockholm  :  1614  (An  error.  He  must  have  meant  to  indicate  1714,  or 
else  the  other  date  should  be  1581). 

3  "•  Zamolxis,  first  legislator  of  the  Goths,"  etc.,  etc.;  by  Carolus  Landius,  Upsala  :   1687. 

4  If  thou  wouldst  flee  love  (Venus),  in  vain  shalt   thou  hasten    to  the   pole.     In   this  clime, 
too — who  would  think   it! — Love   reigns.     (Apparently  Burr  quotes  from   Ovid,  but  there  are 
some  suspicious  features  about  the  second  verse.) 

5  Uesrutro .' 

6  For  haradshofding.     Justice  of  a  district ;  circuit  judge. 

7  For  [ je  n'di]  fas  vu  Madame,  etc.     I  did  not  see  Madame.     So  much   the  worse. 

8  The  Zamolxis  mentioned  above. 

9  See  Glossary. 

10     An  undecipherable  word. 

196 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Haradshofding.  Met  him  going  out.  He  promised  to 
call  on  me  at  1 1,  which  he  did  not  do.  A  slight  rain. 
Called  on  the  Director  Afzelius  ;  out.  Read  law  two 
hours.  My  young  student  called ;  fine  youth.  At 
12  the  Director  came;  brings  me  letter  from  Hosack 
with  news  from  the  United  States  of  the  continuation 
of  the  non-intercourse,  &c.  An  American  ship  arrived 
at  Stockholm.  Story  of  the  young  Dalecarlian1  who 
having  by  accident  shot  his  wife,  immediately  shot 
himself.  Of  Adjutant-General  Cardell  who,  when 
Gustavus  IV.  was  shipwrecked  in  1807  on  Riigen, 
saved  the  Queen  and  an  officer  by  swimming  with 
them  both.  The  King  on  first  meeting  on  shore : 
"Sir,  where  is  your  staff?"  The  General  was  con- 
fined in  prison  eight  days  for  appearing  before  the 
King  without  his  staff  of  office.  The  King  was  an 
eye-witness  to  the  saving  of  the  Queen.  The  details 
of  the  revolution  of  March  last,  by  A.  E.  A.  Took 
a  sort  of  supper  ;  ale,  sugar-water  and  skolperf.  The 
ale  of  this  country  is  excellent ;  6  sch.  Rixelt  le  bou- 
teille\ 

20.  Coucbe  at  1 1 .  Lev.  yz  p.  *4.  To  the 
fontaine*.  To  the  landing ;  no  sloop  going  before 
to-morrow.  Begin  to  be  impatient  to  be  off.  Whilst 
I  was  dressing  about  6  o'clock  the  maid,  without 
knocking,  a  la  suedoise*,  brought  in  a  stranger  who 
addressed  me  in  very  good  English ;  apologized  for 
the  liberty ;  that  he  had  a  great  desire  to  know  me, 

I  Dalecarlia  was  an  old  province  of  Sweden, 

a  Same  as  skrofel.     See  Glossary. 

3  Six  shillings  sterling  per  bottle  (la  bouteille). 

4  Fountain. 

5  In  the  Swedish  fashion. 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

having  read  much  about  me  in  the  newspapers.  He  gave 
me  his  address.  Mr.  Lars  Clever,  Huset  No.  36  nast 
Rdintmastarehuset  <uid  Skepsbron1 ;  'en  trappur  upp7-.  I 
give  it  as  a  sample  of  the  pretty  little  names  of  streets 
in  Stockholm,  as  another,  that  in  which  is  my  lodgings, 
is  called  Malmskildnadsgatan.  The  gentleman  tendered 
me  civilities  and  said  he  should  be  in  Stockholm  on 
the  24th.  It  was  not  till  yesterday  that  I  learnt  that 
I  have  been  a  subject  of  newspaper  discussion  for 
several  weeks.  What  is  said  about  me  I  have  neither 
heard  nor  inquired.  At  9  came  in  my  amiable  Prus- 
sian acquaintance,  Barth,  on  his  return  from  his 
Northern  tour.  He  took  charge  of  a  letter  for  me 
for  Hosack.  At  12  called  again  at  A.  E.  Afzelius  ; 
no  one  at  home.  Went  on  to  the  landing ;  no  sloop 
going  till  to-morrow  evening.  Shall  I  wait  so  long  or 
take  a  post-horse  this  evening  to  Sigtuna?  The 
Directeur*  Afzelius  enters  ;  how  charmingly  he  hates 

the ,  in  which  we  agree,  and  we  curse  them  by 

the  hour  together.  He  gave  me  a  letter  to  Baron 
Hermelin,  Nora,  where  I  propose  to  stay  to-night.  2 
P.  M.  All. my  plans  renverstd*.  A.  E.  Afzelius  has 
been  here  and  proposes  to  go  with  me  to  Stockholm 
by  way  of  Sigtuna  (the  ancient  and  first  capital  of  the 
country  ;  dit  the  residence  of  Odin5)  and  Skbklaster  if 
I  will  wait  till  Wednesday  morning.  The  further 
inducements  to  wait  are  :  First,  that  I  am  invited 

1  Mr.  Lars  Clever,  house  at  No.  36  next  to  (nast)  the  treasury  (Rantmastarehuset)  by  Skeps- 
bron  (('.  e.,  the  wharf,  quay). 

2  For  en  traffa  upp.     Up  one  flight. 
}     Director. 

4     A  hybrid  perfect  participle  made  from  the  French    verb    rcnverser,  to  turn  upside  down  ; 
hence,  upset. 

J     The  chief  of  the  Norse  gods,  the  same  as  Wodan  in  German  mythology. 

198 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

to  pass  the  day  to-morrow  at  the  Landshofdingeri V , 
where  I  shall  see  les  belles  Earonnes'L ;  second,  to  attend 
the  territorial  court,  to  be  held  here  to-morrow ;  third, 
to  assist  at  the  installment  of  a  knight  newly  erected 
who,  finding  it  inconvenient  to  go  to  Stockholm  to  be 
monted^  by  the  King  in  person,  his  Majesty  has  been 
graciously  pleased  to  authorize  his  Excellency  the 
Landshofdingen  to  perform  the  cerimony4  in  his  name 
and  stead.  After  the  cerimony4,  a  dinner.  Now,  I'm 
thinking  that  you'll  not  scold  at  this  delay  because  I 
shall  have  something  to  tell  you.  Remember  to  ask 
me  to  relate  to  you  the  history  of  Baron  Hermelin, 
M'Lean,  and  Baron  Silver.  To  the  Haradshofding  s 
at  4  to  talk  law.  Reste 5  to  tea.  Madame  bien  belle  ; 
had  been  extremely  fortunate  in  her  head-dress.  Sang 
a  great  deal.  T  une  jeu.  dam.  divorcee6  ;  la  souer  et  mere 
de  Madame  Afzelius.  Off  at  7.  Promen.1  one  hour 
with  the  Haradshofding  and  home. 

21.  Coucbe  y2  p.  10.  Rose  at  6  for  the  first  time 
in  six  months.  Dreamed  engaged  to  marry  a  huge  ugly 
beast ;  name  unknown ;  reflections ;  Mary  A.;  delib- 
erated whether  to  blow  out  brains  or  perform  engage- 
ment ;  waked  by  the  striking  of  6.  Do  remind  me  to 
give  you  a  dissertation  on  locking  doors.  Every 
person  of  every  sex  and  grade  comes  in  without 
knocking  ;  plump  into  your  bedroom  !  They  do  not 


I  The  Landshofding  is  a  provincial  governor,  a  lord-lieutenant, 

a  The  handsome  baronesses. 

3  Probably  a  hybrid  verb  from  French  monter,  to  raise;  here, to  raise  to  knighthood. 

4  So  in  the  MS. 

5  Remain. 

6  For  Tunejeune  dame  divorcee,   etc.     There  was  there  a  young  divorced  lady,  etc. 

7  for  promenade.     Same  meaning  as  in  English. 


I99 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

seem  at  all  embarrassed,  nor  think  of  apologizing  at 
finding  in  bed  or  dressing  or  doing — no  matter  what 
— but  go  right  on  and  tell  their  story  as  if  it  were  all 
right.  If  the  door  be  locked  and  the  key  outside 
(they  use  altogether  spring  locks  here),  no  matter, 
they  unlock  the  door  and  in  they  come.  It  is  vain  to 
desire  them  to  knock ;  they  do  not  comprehend  you 
and  if  they  do,  pay  no  manner  of  attention  to  it.  It 
took  me  six  weeks  to  teach  my  old  Anna  not  to  come 
in  without  knocking  and  leave  and  finally  it  was  only 
by  appearing  to  get  into  a  most  violent  passion  and 
threatening  to  blow  out  her  brains,  which  she  had  not 
the  least  doubt  I  would  do  without  ceremony.  I 
engage  she  is  the  only  servant  in  all  Sweden  who  ever 
knocks.  Notwithstanding  all  my  caution  I  have  been 
almost  every  day  disturbed  in  this  way,  and  once  last 
week  was  surprised  in  the  most  awkward  situation 
imaginable.  So,  Madame,  when  you  come  to  Svenska1, 
remember  to  lock  the  door  and  take  the  key  inside. 
At  i  the  Director  Afzelius  came  and  we  walked  up  to 
the  castle.  There  were  about  forty  in  the  drawing- 
room  destined  for  the  ceremony,  including  the  three 

ladies  of  the  family,  Madame from  Stockholm, 

and  one  dame  unknown.     The  order  to  be  conferred 

was  that  of  Wasa%\  the  subject  of  installation 

Afzelius,  professor  of and  brother  of  the  Direc- 
tor. He  was  dressed  in  the  costume  of  the  order, 
which  is  black  ;  a  short  coat  (or  coatee)  rounded  at  the 
flaps  ;  the  shoulders  with  of  black  velvet ;  a 

I      The  true  Swedish  name  for  Sweden  is  Svcriga. 

•2.     Wasa  or  Vasa.     An  order  founded  in  1772  by  King  Gustavus  III. 

200 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

black  scarf  round  the  waist,  and  black  silk  cloak  a 
1J Espagnole'1 .  The  dress  is  rendered  graceful  by  the 
silk  and  the  cloak.  At  the  upper  end  of  the  room 
was  a  small  table  placed  before  a  large  chair.  M'lle 
Wetterstedt  placed  a  crimson  stool  for  the  knight  to 
kneel  and  on  the  table  a  blue  silk  cushion  whereon 
was  laid  the  gem,  insigniuni2-  of  the  order.  The  Gov- 
ernor in  full  dress  stood  behind  the  table.  On  the 
stool  immediately  facing  him  kneeled  the  candidate  for 
knighthood,  the  spectators  standing  round  in  a  circle 
at  a  distance.  The  King's  warrant  authorizing  the 
Governor  to  perform  the  investiture  was  then  read  by 
a  knight.  The  Governor  read  the  oath,  which  the 
candidate  repeated.  Then  the  Governor  put  on  his 
hat,  a  large  cornered  hat  edged  with  white  feathers. 
He  then  drew  his  sword  and  laying  it  three  times 

gently  on  the  shoulder  of  the  candidate  said . 

The  knight  then  rose.  The  Governor  embraced  him, 
his  relatives  and  intimate  friends  did  the  same ;  he 
kissed  the  hands  of  the  two  baronnes^  and  the  rest  of 
the  company  congratulated  him.  Having  never  given 
you  an  account  of  a  Swedish  dinner,  I  may  as  well 
improve  this  occasion.  Of  the  forms  I  shall  only  set 
down  so  much  as  is  peculiar  and  invariable.  Imme- 
diately after  the  congratulations  a  small  table  was  set 
in  the  same  room  with  bread  of  two  or  three  kinds, 
butter,  cheese,  cut  in  small  slices,  brandy  and  wine 
glasses.  One  of  the  young  ladies  occupied  herself  in 
spreading  the  small  pieces  of  bread  with  butter.  The 


1  After  the  Spanish  fashion. 

2  A  late  Latin  form  of  insigne. 


2OI 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

gentlemen  came  round,  partook  of  the  bread  and 
cheese  and  each  a  glass  of  brandy.  The  ladies  took  of 
the  bread  and  cheese,  but  not  of  the  brandy.  I  never 
on  any  occasion  saw  a  lady  drink  brandy.  Various 
travelers  have  reported  the  contrary.  During  this  pre- 
liminary repast  all  are  standing  and  walking  about 
without  ceremony.  In  about  ^  hour  dinner  was 
announced.  The  Governor  desired  me  to  hand  in 
one  of  the  ladies.  I  bowed  to  the  new  knight,  inti- 
mating that  he  should  take  precedence,  the  honors  of 
the  day  being  due  to  him,  but  no,  I  was  the  stranger. 
I  took  the  hand  of  the  elder  M'lle  W.,  but  she  would 
not  go  before  the  lady  from  Stockholm  ;  the  Governor 
led  her,  the  rest  followed  as  they  pleased.  Arrived  in 
the  dining  room  all  stand  round  and  silently  say  grace; 
thus  at  least  the  */£  minute  of  silence  is  supposed  to  be 
employed.  You  graceless  huzzy  would,  I  fear,  employ 
it  differently.  I  was  contemplating  la  cadette.  What 
so  proper  to  inspire  devotion  !  Grace  said,  you  bow 
to  the  host,  the  ladies,  and  to  the  company  and  take 
seats.  The  Governor  placed  me  on  his  right  hand  ; 
M'lle  on  my  right ;  la  cadette  nearly  vis-a-vis.  You 
touch  nothing ;  ask  for  nothing  ;  every  dish  is  handed 
round  in  succession  ;  you  take  or  not ;  if  you  see  a 
favorite  dish,  you  must  wait  till  it  comes  round.  The 
first  thing  is  small  slices  of  ham  and  salt  fish,  gener- 
ally with  eggs  ;  (eggs  began  the  Roman  feasts — ab  ovo 
ad  mala1} — then  bouilli ;  fish  if  any,  then  soup;  (the 
servants  give  clean  plates  at  every  dish);  then  the  roti 

I     Latin.     From  the  egg  to  the  apples.      The   Latin  proverbial  expression   meaning  "  from 
the  beginning  to  the  end      was  undoubtedly  derived  from  the  courses  at  dinner. 

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Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

and  other  dishes,  one  at  a  time  and  a  second  not 
offered  till  all  have  done  with  the  preceding  and  all 
the  plates  changed.  Bottles  of  wine  and  of  water, 
glasses  and  tumblers  are  on  the  table ;  during  the 
repast,  frequent  libations  ;  much  ease  and  cheerfulness; 
no  healths  drank ;  in  small  social  parties  toasts  are 
often  given,  in  the  odosielypar  example*,  very  often. 
After  the  meats,  pastry  and  then  fruits.  We  had  to-day 
apples,  gooseberries  (large  and  excellent),  and  currants. 
The  moment  the  eating  is  gone  through,  all  rise ; 
everyone  carrying  his  chair  back  to  the  wall.  There 
is  a  sort  of  emulation  in  doing  this  with  celerity  and 
slight' ;  no  one  turns  his  back.  The  servant  took 
charge  of  my  chair.  All  stand  mute  another  yz  minute, 
returning  thanks,  bow  and  salute  each  other  again. 
The  intimate  friends  kiss  the  hands  of  the  ladies ;  the 
children  embrace  the  parents  and  each  other.  The 
ladies  are  then  led  to  the  parlour,  where  all  assemble. 
Coffee  is  immediately  served  on  a  table  at  which  one 
of  the  young  ladies  presides.  It  is  carried  round  by 
the  servants,  or  you  may  take  it  standing  or  sitting  by 
the  table.  The  latter  is  usually  my  mode,  but  on  this 
occasion  I  was  engaged  on  the  other  side  of  the  room 
on  the  sofa  with  la  cad.*  What  a  quantity  !  Dear 
soul,  you  must  be  surfeited  with  this  feast.  I  was  very 
glad  to  meet  here  the  spokesmen  or  presiding  judges 
of  the  two  courts  I  had  visited  and  I  did  not  fail  to 
compliment  them  on  the  decorum,  the  simplicity,  and 


1  Possibly  for  Odyssey,  Homer's  great  epic. 

2  for  far  exemple.     For  example. 
}  Obsolete  form  for  sleight. 

4  For  la  cadette. 


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Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

the  dispatch  which  I  had  witnessed  in  their  tribunals. 
I  forgot  to  tell  you  that  the  dishes  were  cut  up  by  the 
young  ladies  alternately ;  a  pretty  serious  labour  when 
thirty-five  guests.  It  is  sometimes  done  by  the  serv- 
ants at  a  sideboard.  The  fashionable  hour  of  dining 
is  2.  If  the  invitation  extends  only  to  dine,  you  are 
off  at  5,  which  was  the  case  to-day.  The  new  knight 
engaged  me  to  dine  to-morrow,  and  A.  E.  Afzelius  to 
supper  and  pass  the  evening.  You  see  that  my  whole 
time  is  occupied  until  our  departure,  which  will  cer- 
tainly be  Wednesday  morning.  The  Governor  to 
town  the  same  day ;  has  frequently  repeated  that  he 
will  then  have  the  pleasure  of  introducing  me  to  his 

son,  le   Chancelier  del ,  in  whom  he  has  justly 

great  pride.  At  7  to  A.  E.  A.  to  talk  law.  The 
patience  and  cheerfulness  with  which  he  answers  (in 
English,  a  language  not  very  familiar  to  him)  to  all 
my  inquiries.  Passed  two  hours  and  with  great  satis- 
faction. Walked  about  town  an  hour  ayant  fro.  din.'2' 
At  10  all  is  quiet ;  you  meet  not  a  person  in  the  street 
save  the  watchmen  who  sing  out  the  hour  and  add  in 
the  same  strain  of  melody  a  prayer  for  your  good 
repose  and  security  from  fire  and  enemies.  Note : 
La  cad.  has  lost  a  little  to-day;  OVK  vova*. 

11.  Much  eating  and  drinking  requires  fumiga- 
tion and  vigilance.  Couche  at  i.  Rose  at  6.  At  10 
came  the  Professor  Adam  Afzelius  to  invite  me  to  see 
his  cabinet  collected  during  ten  years'  residence  at 


1  The  Chancellor  of . 

2  For  ayant  trap  dine.     Having  eaten  too  much  for  dinner. 

3  Greek.     Probably  means  [she  has]  no  mind. 


204 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Sierra  Leona  in  the  service  of  English  society  bearing 
that  name  as  physician.  He  is  now  one  of  the  profes- 
sors of  botany  in  this  university,  is  in  his  sixtieth  year, 
and  is  the  eldest  of  the  three  brothers  ;  a  very  sprightly 
man  speaking  very  good  English ;  might  pass  for  46. 
It  is  to  be  regretted  that  his  travels  and  discoveries 
have  not  been  published  and  you  will  participate  in 
that  regret  when  you  shall  see  the  short  notes  which  I 
have  made  (under  this  date)  of  his  communications 
and  of  a  few  of  the  subjects  shown  in  his  cabinet. 
Was  obliged  to  leave  it  at  y2  p.  12  to  dress  for  the 
knight's,  J.  Afzelius's,  dinner,  the  invitation  being  for 
yz  p.  i .  At  y^,  p.  i  je  myy  suis  rendre1.  I  was  the  last 
and  they  had  got  through  the  bread  and  cheese  course. 
T:  The  Governor;  several  professors;  in  all  twelve; 
no  dames,  J.  Afz.  being  gar^on*.  He  is  bon  vivant*  and 
has  an  excellent  menge.  et  cuisinier4.  The  dinner  such 
as  might  be  expected.  Rhenish  and  claret  both  very 
good.  Pears,  apples,  melons,  goosberries5 ;  currants, 
four  sorts,  one  of  very  pale  dim  red,  which  we  have 
not ;  very  common  here.  The  first  honors  paid  to 
Gamp.  Dishes  first  presented  to  him,  which  I 
thought  wrong,  considering  that  the  Governor  is,  in 
his  government,  the  representative  of  majesty.  Off  at 
5.  Home  till  ^  P-  6.  Tavern  bill  for  twelve  days 
12  rix  dollars  4  sch.  I  always  talk  in  rixgali6,  unless 
banco  be  named.  One  rix  dollar  to  dom.  At  7  to 


1  For  je  ni1}  suis  rendu.     I  went  thither. 

2  Bachelor. 

3  A  jolly  companion. 

4  For  minagere  et  cuisinier.     Housekeeper  and  cook. 

5  So  in  the  MS. 

6  Burr  comes  nearest  here  to  the  correct  spelling,  which  is  riksgald. 


2O5 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Andreas  Ericus  Afzelius  (the  name  of  my  friend  the 
Haradshofding}  to  sup.  Y:  The  Governor  ;  his  daugh- 
ter, la  cadette ;  Professor  Afzelius,  ux.  and  daughter, 
et  autr.1 ;  all  thirty.  La  cad.  was  beautiful ;  said  some 
smart  things  which  almost  redeemed  the  vovaz.  La 
Afzelius  also  pas  avantageusement  mise?  A  very 
luxurious  supper  and  excellent  wines.  Off  at  10. 
La  jeu.  Madame  Afzelius  loses  nothing.  Les  bouches 
des  trois"".  Further  delays.  My  amiable  friend  the 
Haradshofding  has  continued  employment  for  me  to- 
morrow, his  business  requiring  a  delay  till  Thursday. 
In  the  Botanic  Garden  is  an  American  black  walnut 
tree  ;  the  body  about  five  inches  in  diameter ;  very 
thrifty  ;  grown  from  a  nut  planted  here  ;  the  only  tree 
of  the  kind  which  I  have  seen  on  this  side  of  the 
Atlantic. 

23.  Couche  at  12.  Rose  at  6.  Not  the  better 
for  the  intemperance ;  indeed,  I  always  suffer  some 
slight  inconvenience  when  I  depart  from  my  milk 
diet.  At  9  to  Professor  Afzelius  ;  thence  to  J.  Afze- 
lius to  see  his  cabinet  to  which  he  has  several  times 
invited  me,  but  I  should  first  have  told  you  that  A. 
E.  A.  called  at  8  to  say  that  his  brother  would  attend 
me  all  day  and  his  gig  at  my  service.  It  was  proposed 

that  I  should  go  to to  see  the  place  (a  parcel 

of  great  flat  stones  with  Runic  inscriptions)  where  the 
ancient  Gothic  Kings  used  to  be  crowned.  At  10 
called  to  see  this  brother ;  but  he  was  not  within.  Do 


1  For  et  autres,  and  others. 

2  Probably  meaning  the  [lack  of]  mind  previously  mentioned. 

3  Madame  Afzelius  also  not  dressed  to  advantage. 

4  The  mouths  of  the  three.     (The  mouths  of  the  three  persons  evidently  appeared  peculiar 
to  Burr.) 

2O6 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

not  regret  it,  having  enough  of  occupation  for  the  day 
without  promenades.  Shall  stay  at  home,  eatj£///^0«£, 
and  make  law  notes. 

24  After  writing  you  last  evening  had  2  *  *  *  ** 
\yz  rix  dollars,  being  exactly  one-third  of  my  whole 
stock  ;  there's  prudence  for  you  !  Last  evening  went 
to  the  landing  with  Mr.  Torner  as  interpreter ;  found 
two  sloops  going  this  morning ;  in  one  a  pretty  pay- 
sanne  and  no  other  passenger.  The  Hdradsbofding 
returned  and  says  he  will  positively  go  at  10.  Coucbe 
at  y^  p.  ii.  Slept  sound  till  waked  by  Haradshofding 
at  7.  It  is  now  9.  I  am  ready  and  waiting  for  the 
Judge.  He  has  promised  that  we  shall  go  first  to  see 
the  goal1.  Dub. 

25.  Yesterday  at  10  A.  M.,  A.  E.  A.  called  with 
his  relation,  John,  professor  of  chym.3,  greatly  dis- 
tressed that  an  official  duty  of  which  he  had  no  notice 
till  8  this  morning  obliges  him  to  delay  his  journey  till 
to-morrow  morning.  Invited  me  to  go  with  him  to  a 
village  only  two  miles  off  to  see  the  manner  of 
discharging  the  duty,  &c.  The  subject  is  the  division 
of  a  common  among  the  parishioners ;  agreed  to  go, 
but  went  first  with  Professor  J.  Afzelius  to  see  his  cabi- 
net, his  mineralogical  cabinet  and  laboratory.  Two 
hours  there  and  much  amused.  Complains  that  he  can 
get  nothing  from  America.  At  12  with  A.  E.  A.  to 

.  Walked ;  warm  weather ;  found  there  two 

priests  ;  two  of  the  assessors,  several  peasants.  Whilst 


1  Undecipherable  in  the  MS. 

2  So  in  the  MS.     He  must  mean  gaol. 

3  So  in  the  MS.     Burr  did  not  use  the  more  modern  form,  chemistry. 


207 


Private     Journal    of     Aaron     Burr , 

they  were  talking  over  their  business  I  went  to  see  the 

tomb  of who  reigned .     It  is  a  tumulus 

about  the  size  and  the  form  of  that  which  you  saw  at 
Cincinnati.  It  is  placed  on  a  rocky  eminence ;  has  a 
fine  view  of  the  castle  and  cathedral  of  Upsala  and  of 
the  orangerie1,  which,  though  about  300  paces  nearer 
than  the  castle,  appears  like  one  of  its  offices.  We 
were  at  the  house  of  a  respectable  farmer.  On  coming 
in,  brandy,  beer,  and  skolpen  on  the  table,  of  which  I  par- 
took. At  i,  brandy,  beer,  bread,  cheese,  another  meal. 
About  y%  p.  2  we  were  called  into  dinner.  Brandy, 
bread  and  cheese  again  ;  a  very  good  dinner.  The 
first  course,  as  in  town,  was  salt  fish,  ham,  sausages 
with  *****  beans  nicely  dressed;  then,  I  forget 
what ;  then  fillibonk ;  then  roast  chicken  and  ham. 
The  business  was  settled  with  the  utmost  good  humor. 
Home  at  5.  At  6  Mr.  Torner  invited  me  to  visit  the 
library  again  ;  passed  there  two  hours  and  took  note, 
which  you  will  see,  of  several  books.  Home  at  8, 
Read  till  1 1  in  Coxe's  volume  on  Sweden.  Inter- 
rupted by  an  unexpected  visitor ;  unexpected  and 
unsolicited;  ^  rix  dollar.  Couche  at  12.  Lev.  at  yz 
p.  7.  My  first  business  this  morning  was  to  examine 
into  the  state  of  finance  to  determine  whether  or  not 
Gam.  might  dejeune* ;  found  that  he  could  not.  Con- 
tinued reading  Coxe  and  finished  the  volume.  He  is 

o 

more  accurate  and  more  intelligent  than  other  of  the 
travelers  heretofore  mentioned.     Please  to  read  him, 


I     Orangery. 

T.     Undecipherable.     The  word  looks  like  snip. 

}     Breakfast.     Should  be  the  infinitive  dejeuner. 


208 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

for  I  have  been  over  much  of  the  same  ground ;  seen 
the  same  things  and  some  of  the  same  persons.  A. 
E.  A.  came  in  at  10  and  says  that  he  will  call  at  i 
with  his  carriage  and  that  we  shall  lodge  to-night  at 
Sigtuna.  Adam  Afzelius  came  in  and  gave  me  a  mem. 
in  his  own  handwriting  and  in  English  of  the  several 
articles  from  Africa  respecting  which  I  was  most  desir- 
ous to  be  informed.  Then  Professor  A.  with  London 
papers  to  the  yth  August ;  offers  me,  as  does  Adam, 
all  sorts  of  civilities.  And  now  the  clock  strikes  I 
and  I  am  looking  out  for  my  eschort1. 

Oeusterly,1  August  25,  1809.  Left  Upsala  at  ^ 
p.  3  with  A.  E.  Afzelius,  Haradshofding  of  Upsala,  in 
his  coach  (phaeton)  with  post-horses.  Rode  through 
this  beautiful  plain  to  Gamla  Upsala,  yz  miles  Swed- 
ish ;  to  Ugglesta  Vail,  i  mile  Swedish.  The  whole 
distance  i^  miles  Swedish,  or  10  English  miles.  A 
cabin  for  post-horses  and  a  cotl1  a  very  respectable- 
looking  farm-house  for  lodging,  &c.,  for  travelers.  In 
the  garden  plenty  of  currants  and  goosberries4  with 
which  made  free.  This  indulgence  is  everywhere  as 

with   us.     On   to  .     Among  the   pictures  are 

several  said  to  be  of  the  first  masters.  Was  particu- 
larly struck  with  one  of  Aurora,  Comtesse  de 
Koningsmare,  who  frightened  Charles  XII.;  wrapped 
in  a  silk  manteau ;  the  bosom,  the  left  foot,  and  right 
knee  (and  something  more)  bare  ;  in  the  open  field, 
before  sunrise,  alluding  to  her  name5.  A  fine  land- 

1  So  in  the  MS. 

2  For  Osterby. 

J     For  a  cote.     At  the  side. 

4  So  in  the  MS. 

5  Aurora. 

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Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

scape.  A  portrait  of  Anne  Bullein1,  ux.  Henry  VIII.; 
beautiful  and  interesting.  The  chateau  a  large  square 
building  ;  twenty-two  steps  to  ascend  to  the  first  floor. 
Paid to  the  old  woman.  The  chateau  suffer- 
ing for  want  of  repairs  ;  passed  i  ^2  hours  here.  The 
plain  narrows ;  little  rocky  hills,  but  always  small 
fertile  spots  highly  cultivated,  and  excellent  roads,  not 
a  stone  as  big  as  an  egg.  The  next  stage  is  2*^ 
Swedish  miles  or  15  English  miles.  A  peasant's 
house  ;  an  air  of  comfort  and  plenty  as  in  all.  Got 
horses  presently  and  on  to  Oerubro  ;  a  very  neat,  com- 
fortable inn  ;  beds,  maid,  everything  neat ;  were  all 
abed,  but  got  up  cheerfully  and  got  us  supper.  A 
wild  fowl,  sort  of  grouse,  fish,  salad,  and  fillibonk. 
While  supper  was  getting,  we  walked  to  the  furnace. 
26.  Couche  at  12.  I  preferred  to  lay2  on  the 
sofa  without  undressing.  The  beds  are  too  soft.  At 
6  came  in  thzflika*  with  coffee.  This  is  caffe*  and  not 
breakfast,  a  little  bro.  or  skolpen  is  served  with  it.  At 
8  walked  over  to  the  mines,  two  miles.  (Note  :  Miles 
are  always  English  miles  unless  I  distinguish  by  S., 
which  means  Swedish.)  This  is  a  most  beautiful 
village,  and  like  that  at  Dannemora,  is  the  property  of 
the  owners  of  the  mines.  All  the  streets  with  rows  of 
trees ;  the  houses  neat.  For  an  account  of  the  mines 
see  a  loose  sheet  in  which  the  errors  of  writers  of 
travels  are  corrected.  The  principal  director  not  speak- 
ing English  or  French,  he  put  me  in  the  hands  of  the 

I  For  Anne  Boleyn,  mother  of  Queen  Elizabeth. 

^  Generally  so  in  the  MS. 

3  For  firla.     Girl,  serving-maid. 

4  Probably  for  French  ca/«,  coffee,  though  possibly  meant  for  the  Swedish  laffe. 

2IO 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

sub-director,  Mr. ,  who  has  been  in  England. 

The  doctor,  brother  of  my  compagnon  de  voy.1,  devoted 
himself  to  my  amusement.  The  mine  is  in  constant 
danger  of  being  overflowed  by  the  lake ;  this  has 
twice  happened  ;  the  mine  about  450  feet  deep  ;  from 
the  orifice  you  see  bottom.  They  insist  that  this  lake 
cannot  be  drained,  which  I  deny,  and  can  demonstrate 
that  it  can.  We  talked  much  of  it  and  they  listened  to 
me  with  great  attention.  They  bore  logs  (for  conduit 
pipes)  by  hand  with  an  auger,  having  no  such  machine 
as  we  used  at  New  York  for  the  Manhattan  works. 
The  doctor  invited  us  to  breakfast.  It  was  a  sump- 
tous  feast  of  chicken,  ham,  fish,  beans,  salad,  with 

dessert  of  preserved ,  a  wild  fruit  which  I  found 

delicious  ;  other  fruits  and  bonbons.  Excellent  ale, 
which  is  drank  with  sugar  and  water  in  my  own  mode. 
The  sub-director  played  on  the  peasant's  violin  for  me. 
The  instrument  with  seven  strings  and  sixteen  keys  ; 
only  three  strings  are  played  on.  Polonaise,  the 
dance  of  the  Norland  peasants  ;  it  is  the  waltz  with 
varieties.  A  dance  something  like  our  contre  dance1, 
whence,  probably,  the  English  country  dance  originated; 
very  pretty  and  danced  with  great  grace.  A  young 
peasant  now  played.  On  first  coming  to  the  director's 
house  had  heard  the  jungfru  doing  a  few  notes ; 
begged  her  to  sing  a  song.  Sang  several.  Marching 
and  dancing  in  a  circle  ;  erect,  toes  out,  yeux  baissees7". 
A  fine  Italian  face.  Danced  with  great  grace  and 

1  For  compagnon  de  -voyage.     Travelling  companion. 

2  Meant  for  contra-dance  or  country-dance.     Burr's  accent  is  wholly  wrong,  there  being  no 
accent  over  the  e  even  in  French,  in  which  the  word  is  contre-danse. 

}     fotjeux  baisiis.     Eyes  cast  down. 

21  I 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

agility.     Joanna  ;  hazel  hair  parted  over  the 

forehead  and  so  just  above  the  eyebrow  over  the  ear, 
hanging  in  the  neck ;  ends  in  musa.  Gave  y2  rix 
dollar.  She  took  my  hand  gracefully,  kissed  it,  bowed, 
and  thanked  me  in  the  dialect  of  her  country.  Quitted 
with  regret  to  see  and  hear  the  blasting,  which  is 
always  at  12.  The  reverberations  of  the  sound  in  this 
vast  vault  of  solid  rock  are  fine.  The  steam  engine 
made  in  England.  Makes  no  more  noise  than  a  house 
clock.  The  chateau  ;  pictures,  faun  surprising  two 
sleeping  beauties;  bear  fight.  The  stables  350  feet 
long. 

26.  Skoklaster.1  We  left  the  chateau  at  dusk 
to  seek  our  supper.  It  was  good  and  abundant;  only 
the  hard  bread,  however.  Having  eaten  nothing  the 
whole  day  save  two  very  small  sko/pen  and  some  goos- 
berries2,  I  did  great  honor  to  the  supper.  Je  mangois 
comme  gourmand*.  Beds  were  provided  for  us  in  the 
house  of  the  menagere*.,  a  house  twice  as  large  as 
Richmond  Hill5.  The  rooms  spacious  and  well 
furnished.  La  menagere  a  smart,  sensible  woman, 
was  all  attention  and  civility.  Coucbe  at  1 1 .  Rose  at 
5.  Our  coffee  was  served  before  we  were  dressed.  It 
is  much  the  custom  to  take  it  in  bed  ;  a  single  cup  ;  far 
better  than  the  drams  and  too  much  with  us.  I  never 
saw  in  London  a  dram  taken  before  coffee.  With 
this  coffee  nothing  is  eaten  ;  it  is  always  strong  and 
well  prepared  ;  equally  well  in  the  peasant's  cottage. 


1  For  Skokloster. 

2  So  in  the  MS. 

J  I  ate  like  a  gourmand  (mangiaii). 

4  For  menagere.     Housekeeper. 

J  His  residence  near  New  York. 


212 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

We  returned  to  the  castle.  The  library  is  said  to  con- 
tain 10,000  or  1 1,000  volumes,  chiefly  ancient;  many 
are  ancient  manuscripts.  The  chateau,  the  furniture, 
the  books,  arms,  and  manuscripts  are  all  entailed  and 
cannot  be  alienated.  The  proprietor,  Count  Brahe, 
seldom  visits  this  place,  having  two  or  three  others, 
and  no  person  is  permitted  to  visit  the  library  except 
on  permission  of  the  maitre  d"  hotel1,  so  that  the  con- 
tents are  unknown.  We  visited  also  the  chapel,  which 
is  built  on  the  spot  where  stood  the  cloyster2  whose 
ruins  are  still  visible.  The  chapel  is  about  the  size  of 
your  churches ;  is  handsome  without  being  magnifi- 
cent ;  the  organist  played  several  tunes  for  us.  The 
vaulted  ceilings  give  a  fine  effect  to  the  sound.  At 
1 1  we  went  to  seek  our  breakfast.  It  was  sumptuous. 
La  menagere,  having  learnt  that  I  preferred  the  soft 
bread,  had  made  some  excellent  and  had  in  further 
compliment  to  my  taste  provided  fish  from  the  lake 
which  is  within  200  yards  of  the  door.  Ate  as  though 
I  had  not  supped.  At  12  embarked  to  return.  A 
boat  had  been  procured  and  awaited  our  orders.  It  is 
about  three  miles  hence  to  the  chateau  of  Rudbeck. 
The  shores  of  the  lake  always  riant1  and  picturesque. 
Walked  to  the  post-house,  ^  mile  and  at  i  set  off. 
At  2  P.  M.  a  ferry  at  which  I  was  obliged  to  be  ferry- 
man and  hard  work  it  was.  Thence  to  the  main  road 
leading  from  Upsala  to  Stockholm,  being  about  five 
miles.  The  road  a  little  stony,  being  not  much  used 


1  For  maitre  d  'hotel.     Steward. 

2  So  in  the  MS. 

3  Smiling,  cheerful. 


213 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

and  having  been  injured  by  the  rains  and  being  in  the 
midst  of  harvest,  the  peasants  had  not  yet  found  time 
to  repair.  Nevertheless  that  part  of  the  ride  is  [ren- 
dered] beautiful  by  the  varied  landscape ;  lakes, 
meadows,  rich  fields,  rocks,  hills,  forests,  all  constantly 
and  charmingly  blended. 

[26.  At  Sigtuna.]  But  I  forgot  to  tell  you 
that  Sigtuna  is  the  most  ancient  capital  of  Sweden, 
centuries  before  Upsala.  Tradition  and  what  is  called 
history  relates  that  it  was  taken,  sacked,  and  burnt  by 
the  Russians  about  1,800  years  ago.  Very  fine  ruins 
of  three  ancient  temples  ;  two  of  them,  at  least,  are 
fine ;  fifty  or  sixty  feet  in  height  of  the  turrets  are 
standing ;  several  of  the  arches  entire  ;  trees  growing 
on  the  tops  ;  rude  architecture.  Of  the  date  and  par- 
ticular use  of  these  temples  even  tradition  is  silent. 
We  visited  the  church ;  nothing  very  remarkable ; 
much  of  the  material  taken  from  the  old  temple,  which 
stands  near  and  is  within  the  same  enclosure.  On 
many  of  the  stones  Runic  inscriptions  so  defaced  as  to 
be  illegible.  The  priest  asleep  kept  us  waiting  two 
hours  for  the  key.  Goosberries  and  blackberries  in  the 
churchyard ;  the  latter  tasteless.  Left  Sigtuna  at  5, 
having  taken  there  a  dish  of  coffee  and  a  sko/pen, 
exactly  our  rusk.  Everywhere,  too,  you  get  wafen1  ; 
our  wafles2,  and  made  and  eaten  in  the  same  way  ;  an 
iron  cut  in  diamonds.  Sigtuna  is  now  an  inconsider- 
able town  of  about  200  wooden  (log)  houses. 

Skokloster,  August  26,  1809.     At  3  P.  M.  yes- 


1  For  vafflor.     Waffles. 

2  So  in  the  MS. 


2I4 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

terday  the  Hdradshofding  not  appearing,  went  to  his 
house  ;  found  all  ready  ;  took  coffee  with  Madame. 

At  yz  p.  3  set  off;    at  5  arrived  at ,  where  we 

proposed  to  traverse  the  lake.  Took  boat  at  the 
chateau  of  Rudbeck,  formerly  Wetterstedt's,  who 
exchanged  fortune  for  titles.  An  old  woman  rowed 
us  over,  about  one  mile  English,  and  we  walked  about 
\y2  miles  to  the  palace  of  Skokloster.  From  Rud- 
beck's  gardener  we  had  got  currants,  apples,  and  a 
melon.  They  were  gathering  vegetables  for  market. 
Cabbages  of  uncommon  size  for  5  sch.  each ;  paid  a 
few  sch.  for  our  fruit.  Leaving  Upsala  in  this  direc- 
tion you  rise  the  hill  on  which  is  the  castle  and  passing 
over  the  plain  about  100  feet  above  the  more  exten- 
sive one  to  the  north,  you  enter  the  park  ;  fine,  lofty 
pines,  about  ^  mile  ;  then  four  miles  to  the  river 
Sala,  which  you  cross  in  a  scow  ;  three  miles  more  to 
the  post-house.  Half  a  mile  before  reaching  the  ferry 
you  are  in  sight  of  the  lake  and  after  crossing  the  river 
the  road  is  parallel  to  the  lake,  distant  perhaps  half  a 
mile.  A  gentle  declivity.  The  country  the  whole 
way  under  high  cultivation,  interspersed  with  those 
little  rocky  hills  and  ledges  which  make  it  so  pictur- 
esque. The  chateau  now  Rudbeck's  is  very  beauti- 
fully situated  on  a  promontory  extending  one-quarter 
mile  into  the  lake  ;  a  long  avenue  of  ancient  trees ; 
the  body  of  the  house  five  windows  each  story,  being 
two  stories  in  front  and  three  in  rear.  The  wings, 
three  windows  each  story  ;  a  plain  house  ;  many  out- 
buildings give  it  the  air  of  a  village.  Skokloster 


215 


Private     jf  o  ur  n  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr. 

formerly  a  cloyster1  of  which  the  ruins  are  still  visible. 

The  present  chateau  was  built  by ,  about 

years  ago.  The  four  turrets  about  thirty-two  feet 
diameter  each ;  octagon  ;  elevated  a  full  story  above 
the  body  of  the  building  and  again  a  dome  and 
crowned  with  a  sort  of  armillary  sphere1.  The  main 

building  a  square  of feet  on  each  side  and 

feet  in  depth,  containing  an  open  court ;  below  an 
arcade  or  open  gallery  all  round ;  beautiful  little  brass 
cannon  on  each  side ;  gallery  in  each  story  on  the  side 
of  the  court  about  twelve  feet  wide ;  on  each  pier,  six 
in  each  story,  the  portrait  large  as  life  of  some  distin- 
guished person,  companion  in  arms  or  in  council  of 
Gustavus  Adolphus.  On  the  opposite  side  of  the 
galleries,  some  historical  paintings  ;  all  painted  on  the 
walls  ;  mottoes  in  Latin,  French,  Italian,  Swedish. 
The  building  is  three  lofty  stories  and  an  attic.  The 
gobelins  in  many  rooms  are  well  preserved  and  very 
beautiful  ;  great  number  of  paintings ;  portraits,  bat- 
tles ;  historical  pieces.  Of  Aurora  Comtesse  de  Kon- 

ingsmare,  by  no  means  equal  to  that  at .   Ebba 

Brahe  when  a  girl  and  when  old  woman  ;  General 
Wrangle  in  every  possible  way ;  a  picture  of  him  on 
horseback  large  as  life,  underneath  which  is  inscribed 
a  complete  history  of  his  life.  An  equestrian  statue  in 
the  apartment  in  the  chapel  where  is  his  monument. 
The  attic  story  is  principally  a  place  of  arms  ;  ancient 
armour,  spears,  swords,  bucklers,  helmets,  hung  round 
with  complete  suits  of  armour,  looking  like  so  many 


I     So  in  the  MS. 

z     A  globe  surrounded  with  circles. 


216 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr: 

men  in  armour.  Guns,  fusees,  pistols,  and  firearms  of 
all  sorts,  used  1 50  years  ago ;  also  wardrobes,  boots, 
spurs,  &c.  Very  few  of  the  paintings  of  much  value. 
The  cabinet  of  ebony  and  ivory ;  and  another  princi- 
pally ivory  with  a  variety  of  jewels,  trinkets,  baubles. 
Four  columns  of  two  pillars  each  ;  each  column  with 
pedestal  and  capital  of  one  solid  piece  of  marble. 
These  and  many  of  the  other  things  were  brought 
from  Prague  when  taken  by  Gustavus  Adolphus. 
The  columns,  made  in  Italy,  were  in  the  palace  at 
Prague ;  now  supporting  the  arch  of  the  vestibule. 
Bones  found  in  Scania,  believed  to  be  human.  A  rib 
measured  eight  feet  six  inches,  and  is  not  entire ;  a 

vertebra  of  the  spine, inches  in  circumference  ; 

near  the  same  place  was  found  a  sword,  here  also  kept, 
of  singular  construction  ;  about  seven  feet  long  and  of 
a  weight  which  could  not  be  used  by  men  of  these 
days. 

Stockholm,  August  27,  1809.  It  was  yz  p.  12 
last  night  when  we  arrived.  Being  too  late  to  go  to 
my  lodgings,  /.  ^.,  being  averse  to  wake  my  good  old 
Anna,  went  with  A.  E.  A.  to  a  tavern  in  Stor  Nyga- 
tan1.  They  put  us  three  trappur  upp1;  that  is,  in  the 
fourth  story.  I  was  so  weary  and  sleepy  that  I  threw 
myself  on  the  sofa  without  supper  and  without 
undressing  and  slept  profoundly  till  near  6.  Got  up 
quite  refreshed.  Took  one  dish  coffee  at  7.  To 
d' Aries's  at  8.  He  and  family  a  la  campagne.  Mr. 
Gransbom  at  home.  Wrote  Hosack  to  come  to  town 


1  Swedish  for  Great  New  street. 

2  Up  three  flights. 


217 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

and  sent  messenger  with  the  note.  Find  here  cards 
from  Poppius  and  Daily  ;  met  Governor  Wetterstedt 
and  Baron  M'Lean  ;  that  is  not  his  name,  nor  do  I 
know  how  to  spell  it.  Hosack  came  in  at  1 1  and  at 
same  moment  my  messenger  with  the  letter,  having 
missed  him.  Not  a  letter  for  him  or  me  from  any 
quarter !  Two  American  vessels  in  this  harbour. 
The  captain  of  one  (Van  Alen)  gr.  am.  de.  Ga. ;  tons 
arnica? '.  At  i  tea  and  skolpen  for  breakfast  and  middag*. 
Waited  till  yz  p.  5  for  Hosack  who  did  not  come, 
though  his  own  appointment.  Walked  out  to  Calberg  ; 
out ;  left  card.  To  Eklin  ;  the  ladies  and  the  Hos- 
chells  ;  the  Doctor  abroad.  Took  tea  and  skolpen  and 
off  at  7.  Home  and  couche  at  n. 

28.  I  did  lay  down  at  1 1  and  got  asleep,  having 
slept  very  little  the  previous  night.  At  12  I  waked 
in  a  fever  and  found  myself  devoured  by  bugs.  Got 
up,  lighted  candle,  and  saw  the  bed  alive.  Being  very 
sleepy,  went  into  the  next  room  and  lay  on  the  sofa. 
In  a  few  minutes  was  attacked  in  a  like  manner.  Got 
up  again,  lighted  candle  in  despair  and  read  till  day- 
light. Lay  down  on  three  chairs,  but  could  not  sleep, 
so  ordered  breakfast.  At  10  to  wait  on  Governor 
Wetterstedt  and  his  son  the  Chancellor ;  out ;  left 
cards.  To  Baron  Engerstrom's ;  out ;  card.  Baron 
Munck ;  at  Haga ;  card.  To  Hedboom's  ;  went 
with  his  clerk  to  get  guinea  changed  ;  changed  one 
for  8  rix  dollars  36  sch.  Home  at  2.  Found  note 


1  Probably  for  grand  ami  de  Gamp.       Tous  amicaux.       (This    form    is,  however,  not    good 
French.)      The  captain  of  one  (Van  Alen)  a  great  friend  of  Gamp.      All  friendly. 

2  Swedish  for  midday. 

218 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

from  Hosack  that  the  Americans,  Captains  Van  Alen 
and  Barry  and  Mr.  Robinson,  all  from  New  York, 
had  agreed  to  meet  me  at  dinner  at  Moysabacke  to 
dine  together  aP  americaine1  on  beefsteak,  fish,  and 
potatoes  ;  to  rendezvous  at  his  quarters ;  the  savage 
had  not  the  grace  to  rendezvous  at  mine.  Being  very 
desirous  of  seeing  these  compatriots,  as  they  are  all 
said  to  be  very  friendly,  went  and  had  our  dinner. 
Barry  did  not  come,  being  unexpectedly  called  off  on 
some  business  about  his  ship.  Van  Alen  is  from 
Kinderhook  and  connected  with  the  family  of  Van 
Ness ;  an  intelligent,  friendly  young  man  ;  the  other 
a  fine,  handsome,  sprightly  youth.  Our  dinner  in  a 
saloon  in  the  garden  and  being  elevated  about  150  or 
200  feet  above  the  mass  of  the  city,  affords  a  most 
beautiful  bird's-eye  view  of  the  town,  harbour,  and 
country.  I  had  authorized  Hosack  to  propose  this 
dinner,  as  the  Americans  had  expressed  great  desire  to 
see  me,  but  he  managed  so  ill  that  they  supposed  they 
came  to  dine  at  my  invitation  and  expense,  of  which  I 
was  ignorant  till  the  moment  of  coming  off;  paid  for 
the  dinner  exactly  the  proceeds  of  my  guinea,  8  rix 
dollars  36  sch.  Besides  this,  I  did  not  treat  them  as 
my  guests.  Very  little  wine  was  called  for  and  they 
must  have  thought  it  scurvy  treatment.  Alas,  Mon. 
Gamp  !2  Took  tea  at  their  quarters.  Home  at  7. 
Shall  go  early  to  bed  to  make  up  my  long  arrears  of 
sleep.  These  Americans  have  been  eight  or  nine 
months  from  the  United  States ;  of  course  nothing 


I     For  a  la  americaine.     After  the  American  fashion, 
z     For  Monsieur  Gamp. 


219 


Private     ^Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

new.     Note  :  Called  this  morning  at  General  d'Hel- 
vig's  ;    the  ladies  still  a  la  campagne  and  all  well. 

29.  I  did  go  to  bed  at  10,  promising  myself  a 
rich  sleep.  Lay  two  hours  vigil1;  that  cursed  one 
single  dish  of  tea  !  Note  :  My  bed  had  undergone  a 
thorough  ablution  and  there  were  no  bugs  or  insects. 
Got  up  and  attempted  to  light  candle,  but  in  vain  ; 
had  flint  and  matches  but  only  some  shreds  of  punk 
which  would  not  catch.  Recollected  a  gun  which  I  had 
had  on  my  late  journey  ;  filled  the  pan  with  powder 
and  was  just  going  to  flash  it  when  it  occurred  that 
though  I  had  not  loaded  it  someone  else  might ;  tried 
and  found  in  it  a  very  heavy  charge  !  What  a  fine 
alarm  it  would  have  made  if  I  had  fired !  Then 
poured  out  some  powder  on  a  piece  of  paper,  put  the 
shreds  of  punk  with  it  and  after  fifty  essays  succeeded 
in  firing  the  powder  ;  but  it  being  dark,  had  put  more 
powder  than  intended ;  my  shirt  caught  fire,  the 
papers  on  my  table  caught  fire,  burnt  my  fingers  to  a 
blister  (the  left  hand,  fortunately)  ;  it  seemed  like  a 
general  conflagration.  Succeeded,  however,  in  lighting 
my  candle  and  passed  the  night  till  5  this  morning  in 
smoking,  reading,  and  writing  this.  "  Essai  sur  le 
Caractere,  les  Moeurs  et  T esprit  des  Femmes"2.  Par 
M.  Thomas;  second  edition,  Paris:  1772;  small 
octavo,  215  pages.  Well  written;  much  historical 
information  ;  many  books,  of  which  I  had  not  heard, 
are  quoted.  He  meant  to  be  liberal  and  [a]  friend  to 


1  This   word,   which    has   been  used  several  times,  is  a  Latin  adjective  meaning  wakeful. 

2  "  Essay  on  the  Character,  the  Morals  (or  Manners,),  and  the  Mind  of  the  Women." 


22O 


Private    y  ourn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

the  sex,  but  like  all  I  have  read,  has  set  out  wrong ; 
has  not  seen  the  source  of  the  evil,  though  the  evils 
are  acknowledged,  and  of  course  has  not  found  the 
remedy  ;  this  will  remain  for  Gamp.  "  'Tableau  Lit- 
ter air  e  de  la  France  pendant  le  i8me.  siecte."  Sujet 
propose  en  1806  par  la  Classe  de  la  langue  et  de  la  litter  a- 
ture1.  Paris:  1807.  Octavo;  91  pages;  close  printed; 
anon.  This  I  presume  to  be  a  sort  of  prize  piece. 
It  is  well  written ;  his  distinctions  are  pretty  good  but 
his  eulogies  extravagant.  "  Le  Voyageur  Fataliste "; 
comedie  en  trois  actes  en  vers1;  par  Armand  Char- 
lemagne ;  Paris  :  1 806.  I  had  foresworn  French 
comedies  and  hate  comedy  in  verse ;  this,  though 
long,  was  not  found  tiresome.  "  Rapprochement  des 
Arbres"1.  Duodecimo,  about  1 50  pages.  Paris:  1807; 

par .     Where  have  I  laid  that  book?     Will  find 

it  to-morrow  and  give  you  the  author's  name.  It  is  a 
new  discovery  by  which  you  give  to  any  tree  the  sap 
and  nourishment  of  another  or  of  some  branch  of 
another,  and  by  this  means  you  may  change  and 
improve  the  colour,  size,  and  flavour  of  any  fruit.  The 
results  are  curious  and  useful ;  pray  try  it.  You  see, 
Madame,  I  have  not  been  idle  ;  now  allow  me  to 
attempt  sleeping. 

29.  P.  M.  Slept  very  well  till  10  when  Mr. 
D.  came  in  a  la  souedoise*  on  some  very  urgent  message, 
which  I  answered  only  by  a  round  of  curses.  How- 

i     "  Literary   Picture   of  France  During  the  Eighteenth  Century."      A    Subject   Proposed 
(frofosi)  by  the  Class  in  Language  and  Literature  [of  the  French  Academy], 
^    "  The  Fatalistic  Traveler."     A  comedy  in  verse  in  three  acts. 

3  "  The  Bringing  Together  (Junction)  of  Trees." 

4  For  a  la  suidoise.     After  the  Swedish  fashion. 


221 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

ever,  I  was  waked  and  got  up.  Took  breakfast  at  12. 
Feuillied*1  (rummaged)  in  the  library  for  two  or  three 
hours  (there  is  an  arrival  of  new  books  from  Paris); 
then  walked  out  with  Gransbom  to  try  the  market  for 
guineas;  changed  four  at  8  rix  dollars  36  sch.  each. 
Waited  an  hour  for  Barth  without  success.  Called  at 
the  post-office ;  no  letters.  No  doubt  my  letters  are 
stopped  by  the  British  government !  'Tis  impossible 
that  every  human  being  can  have  forgotten  me  for  four 
months.  For  my  female  friends  I  would  swear,  but 
what  remedy.  Me  void*.  Post  I  will  go  off  to  Ham- 
burg or  Memel.  As  soon  as  I  can  find  Barth  will 

hunt    for  passages    to   everywhere  and   then 

determine.  Called  at  the  lodgings  of  Bar.  Ulf- 
spasre,  for  whom  I  had  a  letter  from  London  and 
just  now  determined  to  deliver  it ;  has  left  town. 
Home  at  6.  On  the  way  called  to  see  Captain  Van 
Alen.  Mjolk  and  br'6.  for  rniddag  and  afton"1.  Read  an 
hour  or  two  in  "Ultineraire  de  ly Allemagne  "4 ;  Paris  : 
1 807.  You  see  I  am  preparing !  Read  also  a 
treatise  (French)  on  the  authority  of  parents,  /.  e.y 
fathers,  for  women  are  not  in  question.  Cannot 
now  lay  hand  on  it  to  give  you  the  title,  but  will  find 
it.  The  subject  was  proposed  by  the  Institut 
National  and  this  book  gained  the  approbation  and 
the  prize.  In  my  opinion  no  way  flattering  to  the 
genius  of  the  nation.  There  is,  indeed,  a  good  deal 
of  historical  fact,  but  much  declamation  and  flourish. 


I      Another  hybrid  verb,  and  badly  formed,  from  French  feuilleter,  to  turn  over  the  leaves  of 
a  book. 

z     Here  I  am. 

}     Swedish.     Evening. 

4     "  Itinerary  of  Germany." 

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Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

30.  Coucbe  at  12.  Rose  at  yz  p.  5.  Yesterday 
an  officer  (vieux  militaire)1  called  to  consult  me  about 
seeking  employment  in  the  United  States,  which  I 
flatly  discouraged.  He  wishing  a  further  conversation, 
appointed  9  this  morning.  At  8  called  on  Baron 
d'Albedhyll ;  out ;  left  card.  On  Governor  Wetter- 
stedt,  whom  found  dressing.  On  Doctor  Gahn ; 
engaged  to  dine  with  him  to-day  at  Eklin.  Home 
before  9  to  meet  the  Swedish  officer.  On  opening  my 
door  found  him  seated,  though  I  had  the  key  in  my 
pocket,  at  which  I  made  great  eyes.  He  apologized. 
Told  him  that  Hosack  had  served  in  the  United 
States  army  and  knew  more  about  the  subject  of  his 
enquiry ;  gave  him  the  address  of  Hosack  and  a  line 
of  introduction.  At  10  to  Breda's  to  pay  my  respects 
to  the  picture ;  found  it  in  good  order  and  looking, 
alas,  I  fear,  very  different  from  the  original*.  Found 
Earth's  lodgings  and  left  card.  To  Baron  Munck's  ; 
still  at  Haga ;  card.  To  Professor  Arnt's ;  that, 
however,  was  yesterday ;  at  Haga ;  left  card.  To 
Wennerquiest's,  but  I  got  to  the  door,  altered  my 
mind.  Met  in  the  street  la  belle  Mari,  of  Lil.  Ny- 
gatan3 ;  "  Naen4."  Home  at  i  and  found  Earth's 
card.  He  had  already  returned  my  visit  and  left  word 
that  he  would  call  again  to-morrow  morning.  Walked 
to  Eklin ;  found,  as  always,  a  good  dinner  and  good 
wine ;  we  were  en  famille.  Home  at  7  to  meet  A.  E. 
Afzelius,  who  left  town  on  Sunday  and  promised  to 

1  An  old  soldier. 

2  The  reference  is  to  the  picture  of  his  daughter  Theodosia. 

}     For  Lilla  Nygatan.     Little  New  Street — a  street  not  far  from  Burr's  Stockholm  residence. 
4     Marie  said  "  No."     The  Swedes  say  nej  or  in   popular  slang  na.       Perhaps   Marie  uttered 
the  German  negative  n«in,  which  Burr  spelled  phonetically. 

223 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

call  on  me  this  evening,  but  he  has  not  come  (8  P.  M.) 
3 1 .  After  quitting  you  last  evening  at  8  I  foeul- 
lied1  in  the  bibliotheque*  for  occupation  for  the  night 
and  brought  to  my  room  a  new  novel  and  a  recent 
voyage  of  discovery  to  the  S.  Seas,  having  determined 
for  manifest  reasons  to  read  till  2.  "  Hotel  Garni  " J, 
par  Madame  Sur ;  two  volumes,  small  octavo  ;  about 
300  pages  each;  Paris  :  1800;  which  I  read  through. 
It  is  made  up  of  digressions  ;  stuffed  with  trite  re- 
marks ;  no  novelty  in  the  incidents  ;  in  short,  a  trifling 
thing.  Couche  at  i.  Lev.  at  6.  At  9  came  Barth. 
His  plans  are  altered.  He  goes  to  England,  which  I 
regret,  for  I  had  a  secret  intention  of  going  with  him 
to  Konigsberg.  I  commissioned  him  to  procure  me 
information  of  vessels  going  to  Wismar.  Afzelius 
not  having  come  last  evening  as  was  promised,  went 
to  his  lodgings ;  could  hear  nothing.  To  the  post- 
office  !  nothing  !  Strolled  about  for  an  hour  or  two 
without  object.  Home  at  12.  Baron  d'Albedyhll 
came  in  and  sat  an  hour.  Read  in  "  Le  Voyage  aux 
Mers  Australes"*. 

Stockholm,  September  i,  1809.  Couche  at  12. 
Lev.  at  6.  At  8  came  in  Barth.  Brought  list  of  four 
vessels  for  Wismar  and  gave  me  the  name  of  a  ship 
broker  whom  he  had  engaged  to  attend  to  my  orders. 
Sor.  at  1 1  with  Gransbom.  To  lodgings  of  Afzelius  ; 
not  arrived.  To  Hedboom's  ;  Mr. ,  his  book- 
keeper, returned ;  gave  him  the  list  of  the  four 


1  See  Glossary  under  feuillied. 

2  For  bibliotheque      Library. 

5  For  "  Hotel  Garni."     "  Furnished  House." 

4  "  Voyage  to  the  Southern  Seas." 


224 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Wismar  vessels  and  desired  him  to  go  on  board, 
enquire  price,  see  accommodations,  &c.  He  engaged 
most  cheerfully  to  get  the  information  and  make  his 
report  to-morrow  morning.  If  he  should  be  punctual 
he  is  not  Svenska  ! I  Rencontre.  Swindled  out  of  i 
dollar  pour  rien1.  Met  Baron  Munck's  dom.;  learned 
that  Madame  had  lain  in  of  a  dead  child.  I  do  most 
sincerely  sympathize  with  that  amiable  [pair];  they 
have  been  twelve  or  fifteen  years  married  and  no  child  ; 
so  many  fond  hopes  have  been  raised  on  this  pros- 
pect!  Home  at  i.  Found  young  Robertson  or 
Robinson  of  New  York  waiting  to  see  me.  It  is  an 
amiable,  intelligent,  well-behaved  young  man.  Wrote 
by  Barth  to  William  Graves,  enclosed  duplicate  of  my 
letter  of  July  3ist  and  of  the  letter  to  Swartwout 
introducing  Barth  to  Graves ;  carried  my  letter  to 
Earth's  lodgings  and  there  left  it,  he  being  out.  Yes- 
terday gave  him  my  map  of  Great  Britain.  At  6  to 
Popplius's.  Took  tea  faible1  with  Madame  at  7. 
Walked  till  dark.  Met  Bergstrb'm,  who  invited  me  to 
a  bal\  refused.  Home  and  read  in  my  "  Voyage  aux 
Mers  Australes  "  till  12. 

2.  Couche  at  */£  p-  12.  Rose  at  7  ;  at  10  had 
finished  "  Le  Voyage  de  Decouverts  aux  Terres  Austra- 
les in  1800,  1801,  1802,  1803,  1804";  fait  par  ordre 
de  rEmpereur ;  redige  par  M.  F.  Peron ;  torn,  fme.4; 
quarto  ;  500  pages  ;  Paris  :  1 807.  Have  been  amused, 

I     For  svcnsl.     Swedish. 

1     A  rencounter.     Swindled  out  of  I  dollar  for  nothing. 

3  Weak  tea. 

4  "  Voyage  of  Discovery  to  the  Southern  Lands  in  1800,"  etc.     Made  by   order  of  the   Em- 
peror.     Edited  by  M.  F.  Peron.     Volume  I.     (Should  be  tome  premier). 

225 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

particularly  with  his  account  of  New  South  Wales.  I 
mean  the  English  settlements  at  Port  Jackson,  Botany 
Bay,  &c.  This  work  will  probably  consist  of  many 
volumes,  of  which  only  the  first  has  reached  me.  Sent 
Anna  to  hunt  up  la  Han.1  See  June  10.  It  is  no 
easy  matter,  ma  Min.z,  to  determine  how  to  dispose  of 
myself.  Why  stay  here  ?  To  be  sure  I  am  unmo- 
lested and  live  at  no  great  expense,  but  tern,  fug}  and 
nothing  done.  When  I  came  here  it  was  with 
intent  to  stay  till  answers  should  be  received  to  my 
letters  written  to  the  United  States.  The  moment  of 

leaving    London,    and    .     Just    there    it    was 

announced  to  me  that  a  lady  in  the  library  wished  to 
speak  to  me.  "  What  sort  of  lady  ?"  "  Young  and 
beautiful."  In  truth,  she  is  very  pretty  ;  not  at  all  a 
Swedish  face  ;  an  aquiline  nose,  seems  a  little  turned ; 
blue  eyes,  very  fair,  very  black  hair  and  eyebrows  ; 
speaking  svenska4  and  a  little  French.  The  pretence 
(perhaps  the  real  object)  of  the  visit  to  inquire  about 
certain  friends  in  England  and  the  means  of  getting 
there.  On  my  remarking  that  she  could  not  from  her 
appearance  be  Swedish,  she  said  she  was  born  in  Peters- 
burg, and  left  me  her  address.  A  sad  interruption  this 
to  the  calculations  I  was  about  to  make  !  The  summary 
is  that  I  am  resolved  to  go  without  knowing  exactly 

why  or  where.      Mr.  ,  as   was   predicted,   has 

not  brought  me  the  report  of  vessels.  The  facility  of 
getting  to  a  particular  place  may  of  itself  determine 


I  For  la  Hanovriennt, 

^  Probably  for  ma  Minerve.     My  Minerva. 

3  For  temfus  fugit.     Latin.     Time  flies. 

4  Swedish. 


226 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

my  course.  To  be  sure  the  embarras*  of  traveling  on 
the  Continent  is  very  great,  but  I  am  in  utter  despair 
of  receiving  letters  through  England.  Evening :  I 
have  been  to  Hedboom's  to  see  the  book-keeper ; 
out,  and  nothing  done.  Went  on  to  see  la  Russe1 ; 
found  her  toilette  very  prettily  made  and  she  engaged 
on  a  piece  of  embroidery ;  a  most  convenient  visit ; 
too  much  to  write.  Home  at  7.  Have  been  rum- 
maging in  the  library  and  have  brought  into  my  room 
"  La  Dot  de  Gazette ";  a  romari*  and  Montesquieu's 
"  Grandeur  and  Decline  of  the  Roman  Empire." 

3.  Couche  at  i.  Rose  at  9.  Of  this  time,  how- 
ever, lay  two  or  three  hours  without  sleeping,  having 
taken  some  very  weak  tea  in  the  evening,  having  dined 
to-day  and  yesterday  on  bro  och  wattn*;  two  days  pre- 
ceding on  mjolk  koka.  Went  this  morning  before  break- 
fast with  Mr.  Gransbom  as  interpreter  to  hunt  vessels. 
Went  on  board  several  from  Wismar  and  that  quarter. 
Not  one  would  take  a  passenger  by  reason,  they  say, 
of  the  great  difficulties  to  which  it  exposes  the  ship. 
The  French,  they  say,  are  very  strict  and  very  suspi- 
cious and  suffer  no  passenger  to  land  till  after  great 
inquiry.  I  do  not  believe  all  this.  Read  last  evening 
and  this  morning  about  100  pages  in  Montesquieu  and 
finished  "  La  Dot  de  Gazette"  It  is  a  small  octavo, 
237  pages,  Paris:  1803.  Anonymous  but  said  to  be 
written  by  a  lady.  It  is  a  pretty  little  tale.  Read 
also  "  Le  Conteur  ou  Les  Deux  Post"*;  trois  actes ; 


I  The  embarrassment. 

i  The  Russian  lady. 

}  "  Gazette's  Dowry  ";  a  romance. 

4  For  hrid  och  vatten.     Swedish.     Bread  and  water. 

J  "The  Story-teller, or  The  Two  Posts"  (Pastes). 


227 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

prose;  par  L.  B.  Picard  ;  Paris:  an.  VIII;  very  tri- 
fling, but  as  a  trifle,  tolerable.  Walked  out  5. 
Swindled  out  of  another  dollar  pour  rien  absolument. 
*  *  *  *  with  2  avants;  /,  75;  Faut  22;  \yz  d.1  Bru. 
ocb  wattn  pr.  din.  Ost  soc.-watn.  koka  bru  fer  afton*. 
At  6  young  Robertson  came  in.  He  also  had  under- 
taken to  hunt  passages  for  Calserona  and  Wismar  and 
came  to  report  that  there  were  many  small  sloops  for 
Calserona  but  too  small  and  dirty  to  be  thought  of. 
To-morrow  I  will  set  Hosack  at  work.  Only  think, 
I  have  not  seen  him  since  Monday  last,  seven  days  ! 
Called  this  afternoon  on  Baron  d'Albedyhll  to  arrange 
about  a  trip  to  Drottningholm.  He  objects  to  my 
mode  of  traveling  and  is  to  look  out  for  other  and 
more  rapid  means.  And  now  (8  P.  M.)  I  am  going  to 
read  any  nonsense.  You  perceive  that  A.  E.  Afzelius 
has  not  returned.  I  much  fear  that  he  has  gone  some 
other  route  to  Upsala,  which  would  be  a  very  great 
disappointment  to  me,  for  I  have  notes  of  a  hun- 
dred questions  to  ask  him. 

6.  It  is  three  days  since  I  have  written  you. 
What  is  on  t'other  side  this  leaf  was  probably  intended 
for  Sunday  the  jd.  On  Monday  went  to  hunt  vessels. 
Baron  Wetterstedt  made  a  friendly  visit.  Dinner, 
wattn  ocb  bru.  Tea  Vapresmidi1  which,  as  usual,  kept 
me  awake  all  night.  The  bank  will  give  out  no  more 
silver  or  gold.  With  difficulty  I  got  the  value  of  2 

1  For    Pour    rien    ahsolument.     *      *      *      *     with    deux    aventures.      L'une    [agee    de]   IJ 
[ans]  ;  Vautre  [dt]  22  ;  I  %  dollars.     For  absolutely  nothing.     (Undecipherable  word)  with  two 
adventures;  the  one  aged  15  and  the  other  22. 

2  For  br'od  octl   vatten  four  diner;    nit,  sockervatten,  taka,  brod  for  afton    [maltid].      Bread 
and  water  for  dinner;  cheese,  sugar-water,  cake  [perhaps  milk-cake],  bread  for  supper. 

}     For  /  'afris-midi.     Afternoon. 

228 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

dollars.  Hosack  called  in  the  afternoon  with  invita- 
tion from  Captain  Barry  to  dine  with  him  on  board 
his  ship  to-morrow.  This  morning,  too,  (Monday),  I 
had  a  visit,  unexpected  ;  unsolicited  ;  not  unwelcome  ; 
i  rix  dollar.  Tuesday.  Got  up  late,  and,  for  reasons 
unknown,  in  very  bad  order.  Heated,  nerves  tremor ; 
no  appetite  for  breakfast,  which  is  unusual.  Went 
abroad,  however,  at  1 1 .  Called  on  Baron  Enger- 
strb'm  ;  out.  On  Mr.  Brooks.  At  2  to  Captain  Van 
Alen's  quarters  to  go  with  him  to  Barry's.  There 
were  five  Americans  and  three  Englishmen.  About 
5  P.  M.  came  in  Major  Nordforss  et  KX.  and  M'lle 

(Fruka1  being  noble)  ;  both  handsome;  the 

latter  an  air  of  delicacy,  &c.;  the  former  very  lively 
and  speaking  French  and  Spanish.  After  coffee  went 
with  them  to  a  house  and  garden  of  their  relation 
about  a  mile  lower  down.  The  garden  is  extremely 
picturesque  and  being  on  that  lofty  ridge  which  bounds 
the  harbour  on  the  right,  elevated  about  150  feet 
above  the  water,  affords  as  fine  a  view  as  Morsebaka. 
Gathered  fruits  ;  much  romping  and  coquetry.  Went 
home  with  Madame  N.  and  engaged  to  see  her  at  12 
to-morrow.  Home  at  8.  Mr.  Dorrell,  one  of  the 
Englishmen,  engages  me  to  dine  with  him  to-morrow. 
On  getting  home  found  all  my  maladies  exceedingly 
increased.  A  very  quick  pulse,  agitation  of  nerves, 
and  burning  hot,  though  the  weather  is  quite  cold,  and 
I  had  drunk  very  little  wine.  Withal,  a  sort  of  exal- 
tation of  fete*,  which  altogether  distressed  me  exceed- 

1  For  Swedish  Froien.     Lady.     Formerly  this  title   was  applied   to   an   unmarried  lady  of 
noble  birth.     In  later  times  it  is  synonymous  with  English  Miss  or  German  Fraulein. 

2  The  head. 

229 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

ingly ;  pains  in  every  bone.  The  family  of  d' Aries 
are  in  the  country.  Mr.  Gransbom  out.  No  means 
of  explanation  with  old  Anna.  Not  a  lime,  or  lemon, 
or  anything  else  to  be  had  at  this  hour.  Ordered  hot 
water  and  Sw.  trinka1,  of  which  with  sugar  drank 
copiously,  but  no  relief;  though  lay  in  bed,  exceed- 
ingly restless.  Took  thirteen  drops  of  laudanum,  the 
greatest  dose  I  ever  took ;  and  rinding  sleep  quite 
out  of  the  question,  got  up,  dressed,  and  read  a  long, 
dull  comedie,  "  Le  Ja/oux"*,  120  pages,  close  print. 
About  2  A.  M.  a  little  relieved.  Went  to  bed ;  slept 
about  four  hours  and  got  up  well.  There  prevails  in 
this  city  a  malignant  fever,  which  frequently  has 
carried  off  persons  in  two  or  three  days.  Having 
been  often  in  the  quarter  most  infected  with  this  dis- 
ease, no  doubt  I  had  caught  it,  and  I  have  given  you 
this  detail  to  show  how  very  slightly  any  such  disease 
can  affect  me.  I  disclosed  to  no  one  that  I  was  sick. 
A  sick  man  is  a  very  contemptible  animal.  Owing  to 
very  temperate  habits,  my  constitution  affords  no 
pabulum  to  such  diseases. 

6.  Rose  at  7.  At  10  to  d'Albedyhll's;  out.  To 
General  d'Helvig's ;  out.  At  12  to  Madame  Nord- 
forss.  Staid  an  hour.  Ne  soutmt  la  2me  Vu.1 ; 
engaged  to  go  with  her  to  the  play  to-morrow  evening. 
At  2  to  Hosack's  to  get  him  to  show  me  to  Wor- 
rell's, who  is  at  lodgings.  We  were  at  table  five 
Americans,  two  English,  and  five  Swedish,  among  the 

1  For  svagdrieka.     Small  or  weak  beer. 

2  "  The  Jealous  Man." 

}     Probably  for  [«//«]  ne  soutint  f^rtj]    la   deuxiime   vue.     She   didn't  appear  so   well   on    a 
second  view. 

230 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

latter  a  merchant  from  Nordkeeping1  of  prepossessing 
appearance  ;  a  brother  of  Bergstrom,  also  merchant ;  a 
Finland  merchant.  Came  off  at  J^  p.  5,  the  guests 
appearing  disposed  to  drink  al  'angloise.  Was  engaged 
to  tea  with  Madame  Daily,  but  did  not  go,  being  out 
of  order.  Passed  the  evening  in  reading  and  project- 
ing my  intended  journey.  Called  on  Baron  Enger- 
strom  to-day.  He  offered  me  letters  to  Prussia,  where 
he  had  resided  as  minister. 

7.  Couche  at  i.  Rose  at  6.  At  yz  p.  8  to 
Baron  d'Albedyhll's;  out.  To  Madame  Daily's,  who 
engaged  me  to  dine  to-day  en  fam.  precisely  at  2.  On 
my  way  to  Hosack  renc.  //.  Pas  ma.;  i  r.  d.a  To 
Hosack.  Mr.  Robertson  has  found  a  vessel  bound  to 
Pillau.  Home  at  i.  Passed  ^  hour  reflecting  on 
the  real  value  of  a  dollar.  To  Madame  D.'s  at  2. 
Mr.  not  come  in  and  no  preparations  for  dinner.  It 
seems  he  had  invited  two  guests,  one  at  3  ;  the  other 
YZ  p.  3.  The  first  came  punctually  at  3.  At  yz  p.  3 
sat  down  to  dinner.  The  other  guest,  purser  of  a 
man-of-war,  came  at  4.  They  are  a  couple  of  pleasant, 
well-disposed  Englishmen.  Off  at  6.  To  Madame 
Nordforss.  T:  La  fruk'n*  and  Captain  Barry.  To 
the  com  e*.  We  were  in  the  amphitheatre,  which  is  the 
rear  part  of  what  you  would  call  the  pit,  raised  and 
railed  ;  a  very  commodious  place  indeed.  Sat  next  a 
well-dressed  man  wearing  some  badge  of  nobility,  who 
claimed  my  acquaintance.  Was  very  much  amused, 

I     For  Norrkbping  ? 

z     For  rencontre  \agee  de\  77.     Pas  mauvaise  or  ma! ;  I  rix  dollar.     A  rencounter.     Age  17. 
Not  bad ;  I  rix  dollar. 

3  Forlafroten.     French  and  Swedish.     The  lady  previously  mentioned. 

4  For  comidie.     Comedy. 

231 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

both  with  the  farce  and  comedy,  though  all  pantomime 
to  me.  The  farce  is  first  acted.  M'lle  Vascalia  sings 
well  and  has  a  good  form ;  moves  with  grace  and  is 
thought  handsome.  A  little  paysanne1,  lately  come  on 
the  stage,  pleased  me  much.  The  performance  closed 
about  10.  Home  with  Madame,  sans  entrer1  and  then 
cbez  moi. 

8.  Couche  at  12.  Rose  at  6.  At  9  to  Baron 
d'Albedyhll;  out.  I  want  to  see  him  to  project  our 
tour  to  Drottningholm.  To  Helvig's;  no  one  at 
home.  To  Captain  Van  Alen's  ;  he,  Robinson,  and 
Hosack  live  together.  Home  at  i.  Much  heated, 
the  day  being  warm.  Threw  off  my  coat  and  sat 
down  near  the  window  to  read  "  Tableaux  de  la 
Nature"*;  two  volumes  by  A.  d'Humboldt.  One  of 
the  upper  sashes  of  my  window  is  always  open.  Got 
much  engaged  with  my  book  till  about  3  found 
myself  extremely  uneasy  with  pains  in  my  left  shoul- 
der and  breast.  Attempted  to  rise,  but  unable  till 
after  various  efforts  and  much  pain.  Whilst  I  had 
been  sitting  under  the  window  the  weather  had  changed 
and  become  quite  cool,  and  the  wind  was  on  my  side 
of  the  house.  Hot  water,  beer,  and  sugar,  with  the 
application  of  flannel  perfectly  relieved  me  before 
morning.  Take  care  that  you  don't  commit  such  a 
folly  ! 

Drottningholm,  September  9,  1809.     Rose  at  8 
perfectly  relieved  of  my  rheum.      Resolved  to  go  to 


I     Peasant  woman  or  girl. 

z     Without  going  in. 

}     "  Pictures  from  Nature." 


232 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Drottningholm.  Sent  my  little  paquet1  by  Mr.  d'A., 
who  goes  with  his  family.  Called  to  take  leave  of 
Madame  Daily  who  leaves  town  to-morrow  for  Goth- 
enburg, and  at  2  marched  off  with  my  umbrella,  my 
pipe  and  tobacco  (having  taken  about  ^4  pint  of  rice 
and  milk  for  dinner).  Arrived  at  yz  p.  5  and  stopped 
at  a  tavern  near  General  d'Helvig's  to  get  a  messenger 
to  take  the  note,  q.  v.  Could  not  make  myself 
understood.  Hearing  company  in  an  adjacent  room, 
opened  the  door  and  asked  if  any  gentleman  present 
could  speak  French.  Several  offered  and  by  the 
means  of  one,  got  a  messenger  and  gave  instructions. 
This  mode  of  getting  an  interpreter  could  not  be 
practiced  in  England,  but  might  in  Scotland.  My 
messenger  returned  in  a  few  minutes  with  verbal 
answer,  that  General  d'Helvig  and  Fruken  Imhoff* 
were  just  going  to  take  a  ride  on  horseback  and  would 
call  at  the  tavern  door  and  see  me.  I  was  glad  of  the 
occasion  to  see  M'lle  on  horseback.  They  came 
immediately.  M'lle  a  cheval  en  cav?  sat  gracefully  and 
looked  very,  very  well.  They  spoke  of  Madame 
d'Helvig  as  being  extremely  weak  but  no  longer  in 
danger.  We  talked  two  or  three  minutes  ;  at  parting 
the  General  said  he  hoped  Madame  would  very  soon 
be  well  enough  to  receive  her  friends  !  This  was  a 
shower-bath  !  You  will  recollect  that  I  had  walked 
eight  miles  ;  that  I  was  then  within  200  yards  of  the 
house  of  General  H.,  which  house  consists  of  two 
buildings  quite  detached  from  each  other ;  in  the  one 


I     Bundle. 

a     For  Froken  Imhoff.     Lady  Imhoff. 

}     For  a  cheval  en  cavalier.     On  horseback  trooper  fashion. 


233 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

are  bedrooms,  &c.;  in  the  other,  the  hall,  dining  room, 
&c.;  company  is  always  received  in  this  last.  It  is 
unnecessary  to  remind  you  that  Mr.  H.  has  two  sisters, 
Mary  Ann  and  Louisa.  It  is  my  custom  after  walk- 
ing immediately  to  change  my  clothes  ;  but  my  clothes 
were  at  Mr.  d' A.'s,  six  miles  off  and  I  had  sat  half  an 
hour  in  the  tavern  ;  found  stiffness  and  pain  in  my 
hips  and  loins,  otherwise  should  have  gone  instantly 
to  Stockholm  again  ;  but  went  to  the  bath  ;  could  not 
have  warm  water  till  8  to-morrow  morning.  Went  on 
to  d'A.'s  ;  took  tea  and  afterwards  supper.  In  much 
pain,  which  aided  the  reflections  of  how  that  pain  was 
acquired,  viz.,  the  walk,  and  what  was  the  walk  for  ?  to 
see  my  friends,  &c.  And  thus  is  dissolved  all  inter- 
course with  a  family  which  I  have  seen  with  unusual 
interest.  Mary  Ann  and  Louisa  are  in  different  ways 
very  superior  women.  They  would  merit  distinction 
in  any  country  ;  of  the  former  I  have  spoken  to  you 
much  and  could  have  said  more,  much  more.  The 
latter  I  saw  but  once ;  the  day  of  which  I  gave  you  an 
account  (M.  A.1  cannot  be  to  blame) ;  at  another  time 
you  shall  have  a  detailed  picture  of  both.  God  bless 
them  !  To-morrow,  immediately  after  breakfast,  I  am 
off,  if  able  to  walk.  If  not,  I  shall  wait  at  the  lakeside 
till  some  boat  shall  pass. 

Stockholm,  September  10,  1809.  Couche  at  n. 
Rose  at  7.  Could  scarcely  get  out  of  bed.  To  the 
bath  at  8  ;  staid  in  ^  hour  and  found  myself  very 
much  relieved.  Breakfast  at  d'A.'s.  While  at  break- 
fast the  beautiful  little  dom.  of  H.  called  with  a  note 

I     For  Mary  Ann. 

234 


Private    journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

which  he  said  was  from  Fruken  Imhoff.  It  was  an 
invitation  to  dine,  but  not  exactly  in  ordinary  terms. 
I  replied  that  in  case  of  passing  the  day  in  Drottning- 
holm,  which,  however,  was  not  intended,  I  was 
engaged  but  that  I  would  call  before  dinner.  I  was 
not,  in  fact,  engaged  to  dine.  Went  at  12.  M.  A.1 
received  me  ;  considers  me  in  some  sort  her  property; 
after  y2  hour  came  L.2  We  walked  in  the  garden. 
They  culled  fruits  for  me.  Many  civil  messages  from 
Madame,  who  is  alifP  (I  suppose  a  fausse  coucbe*}. 
Announced  my  determination  to  leave  Sweden,  which 
was  approved  with  politeness  and  something  more. 
Offered  letters  to  their  German  friends  ;  urged  much 
my  dining,  which  refused  obstinately.  Came  off  at  2. 
On  my  way  to  H.'s  called  to  see  my  amiable  friend 
Mr.  de  C.,  who  walked  with  me  through  the  Kongl. 
Jurgardn5  as  far  as  the  Palace.  To  dinner  with  the 
d' Aries.  Coffee  with  Madame  de  C.  and  then  walked 
home,  with  stopping  to  smoke  a  pipe  by  the  way 
according  to  custom.  On  my  arrival  at  home  at  ^  p. 
6,  I  learn  with  surprise  that  all  the  ports  on  the  south 
side  the  Baltic  from  Stralsund  inclusive  west  are  shut 
against  Sweden.  Another  interruption  to  my  plans, 
for  it  was  my  project  to  land  at  Wismar  and  thence  to 
Hamburg. 

ii.  Last  evening  by  way  of  delassmentb  took  tea. 
It  is  very  usual  here  to  put  brandy  in  the  tea  ;  a  sort 
of  tea  toddy.  It  occurred  to  me  that  this  expedient 


1  Fo 

2  Fo 
J  Fo 
4  A 
|  Fo 
6  Fo 


Mary  Ann. 
Louisa. 

nl  it  e.     Bed-ridden, 
liscarriage. 

Kongliga  Djurgarden. 
dilassemcnt.     Relaxation. 


235 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

might  prevent  its  effect  on  the  nerves  ;  so  sent  out 
Anna  to  buy  some  French  brandy,  an  article  to  be  had 
only  at  the  apothecary's.  I  drank  my  tea,  putting  in 
each  cup  a  tablespoonful  of  brandy.  Couche  at  1 1 . 
Presently  found  I  should  not  sleep.  Got  up,  lighted 
my  candle,  dressed,  took  thirteen  drops  of  laudanum 
and  fell  to  reading ;  at  3  went  to  bed  again,  but  no 
sleep ;  lay  till  past  6  ;  then  got  about  two  hours'  sleep 
and  rose  at  8.  To  Hosack's  at  10.  Mr.  Robinson 
says  that  he  finds  that  there  is  a  daily  passage  boat 
between  Helsingborg  in  Sweden  and  Helsingor  on  the 
opposite  coast  in  Denmark,  distance  across  being  only 
two  or  three  leagues  ;  that  with  a  Swedish  passport 
there  is  no  difficulty ;  so  at  once  I  resolved  to  take 
this  route.  Home  at  i.  At  4,  rice,  which  Anna 
made  very  good  with  raisins  and  plums ;  then  to 
Robinson's  again.  He  persists  in  the  information 
given  this  morning.  Thence  to  Hedboom's  to  get 
him  to  enclose  my  letters  to  England,  being  convinced 
that  my  former  ones  have  been  stopped.  Wrote  at 
Hedboom's  to  Achaud  and  to  Graves,  desiring  them 
to  forward  my  letters  under  cover  to  William  Gibson, 
merchant,  Gbteborg,  "  at  which  place  I  should  be  to 
receive  them."  Home  at  6.  Read  as  usual.  A  wet, 
chilly  day,  like  our  N.  E.  storms. 

12.  Couche  at  yz  p.  10.  Rose  at  8.  At  12  to 
Madame  Daily's ;  she  has  actually  left  town.  To 
Baron  Engerstrom's  ;  out ;  he  will  be  in  at  2.  To 
Breda's  to  see  your  picture  and  to  talk  to  him.  He 
is  one  of  the  most  sensible,  well-bred  men  I  meet ;  his 


236 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

son,  too,  only  21,  is  a  youth  of  extraordinary  talents 
and  amiable  disposition.  At  2  to  Engerstrbm's  again  ; 
either  out  or  not  visible ;  am  to  call  at  ^  p.  9  to- 
morrow morning.  Home  */£  p.  2.  A  drizzly  rain, 
chilly  wind,  and  to  console  us  they  say  that  two  or 
three  weeks  of  such  weather  is  usual  about  this  season. 
Rice  at  4. 

Gothenburg,  October  7,  1 809.     Slept  last  evening 

at ,  where  we  arrived  at   1 1 ,  the  family  all  in 

bed.  The  maid  got  up,  made  us  fire,  got  an  excellent 
supper,  and  clean  beds,  and  all  with  a  cheerfulness 
which  gave  value  to  our  supplies.  Our  last  coachman 
was  again  a  girl ;  a  very  pretty  girl  of  about  16.  She 
drove  us  most  rapidly,  and  with  boldness  and  skill. 
Sam  himself  could  not  have  done  better;  nor  here  so 
well,  for  it  was  very  dark.  She  returned  immediately, 
having  a  horse  to  lead.  We  had  ordered  horses  at  5 
this  morning.  At  6  we  set  off,  and  got  here  (fourteen 
miles)  at  ^  p.  8.  Drove  to  the  post-house.  Not  a 
room  or  bed  to  be  had ;  not  even  a  place  to  sit  down 
and  take  breakfast.  We  were  cold  and  hungry,  and 
were  till  10  cruising  about  town  before  we  could  get 
admission  into  a  house.  We  engaged  a  room,  /.  e., 
one  corner  of  it,  for  it  was  a  public  room,  for  two 
hours,  with  promise  of  breakfast.  We  ate  so  enor- 
mously that  we  were  charged  i  ^  rix  dollars  each  for 
our  breakfast,  being  just  three  times  the  usual  price. 
Wrote  notes  to  Lord  Nordenschold1  and  young 
Damon,  requesting  aid  to  procure  lodgings,  as  we  must 

I     One  of  several  unsuccessful  attempts  to  spell  Nordenskjold. 

237 


Private     y  o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

otherwise  go  into  the  street  at  12.  Neither  of  them 
came ;  but  my  indefatigable  companion  found  two 
decent  rooms  at  27  Torg  Gatan1,  two  trappar  upp1 ! 
at  io*/£  rix  dollars  per  week,  more  than  double  the 
price  of  Stockholm.  This  place  is  just  now  very  full 
of  strangers,  particularly  English.  There  were  more 
than  twenty  of  them  in  and  out  of  the  room  while  we 
were  breakfasting,  God-damning  everything  that  was 
not  exactly  as  in  England.  Got  settled  in  our  quarters 
by  i  o'clock,  and  sent  my  letters  to  the  Governor  and 
to  others,  with  a  card  in  each,  a  la  mode  soedoise*,  a 
mode  which  I  approve.  Now,  I  engage  that  neither 
of  the  three  takes  the  least  notice  of  the  letter  or  card. 
Sent  my  card  also  to  the  Lieutenant  N.  Called  at 
Edin's,  where  I  lodged  on  my  arrival  here  from  Eng- 
land in  May,  to  see  the  family.  La  belle  M.  is  much 
altered.  Very  thin  and  eruption  a  la  figure*.  Wrote  to 
Captain  Van  Alen  and  to  Gransbom  q.  v.  by  the  mail. 
Took  tea  at  7,  having  dined  at  our  enormous  break- 
fast. Our  hostess  speaks  English,  being  of  an  Eng- 
lish mother.  Is  neat,  active,  obliging.  In  the  after- 
noon walked  with  Liining  to  the  port,  about  two  Eng- 
lish miles.  Missed  the  way  and  walked  double  the 
distance.  Laughed  at  Luning's  distress  at  passing 
through  some  ill-looking  alleys  and  streets.  Sent  card 
this  evening,  with  my  address,  to  General  Consul 
Gram,  who  is  still  here.  You  may  recollect  that  I  saw 
him  about  ten  days  ago,  and  that  he  undertook  to  pro- 


1  Market  Street. 

2  Two  flights  up,  i,  «.,  third  story. 
}  After  the  Swedish  fashion. 

4  For  iruftion  a  la  figure.     The  face  broken  out. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

cure  passports  for  me  from  the  Danish  government,  to 
be  sent  to  Helsingborg,  so  that  I  might  not  be 
detained  there. 

8,  though  I  think  it  must  be  the  9th  of  Octo- 
ber. Will  ask  some  learned  man  in  the  course  of  the 
day.  Couche  at  ^  p.  n.  Rose  at  8.  Mr.  Gogle, 
of  Frankfort,  a  very  pleasant,  well-bred  young  man, 
lodges  on  the  same  floor  with  us  ;  claims  my  acquaint- 
ance, and  is  extremely  obliging.  Sor.  at  10  to  find 
out  Daily.  Got  his  address.  Wrote  notes  to  Dr. 
Shulzen,  to  Gibson,  and  to  Damm,  inquiring  for  let- 
ters. Verbal  answers  that  they  have  none.  Our 
landlord  is  a  bookbinder.  Gave  him  all  Bentham's 
small  works  and  "  Panoptique  "'  to  bind.  They  had 
suffered,  and  were  in  danger  of  being  abimed*.  Yes- 
terday opened  your  picture.  It  is  in  perfect  order. 
Liining's  contrivance  had  secured  it  completely  from 
the  dust.  Since  opening  it  at  [Stockholm]  I  have 
carried  it  the  whole  way  (two  hundred  miles)  on  my 
lap.  Indeed,  Madame,  yoMgened*  me  not  a  little.  You 
are  now  hung  up  in  my  room,  so  that  I  can  talk  with 
you.  Poin.  de  a/ton4.  Walked  to  the  harbour  at  4. 
Met  Daily,  and  also  the  captain  with  whom  I  came 
from  Harwich.  He  seemed  quite  alarmed,  and  looked 
about,  the  few  minutes  I  detained  him,  to  make  some 
inquiries,  as  if  he  was  afraid  of  being  seen.  He  has 


1  The  "  fanoptiquc"  or  "  Panopticon  "  was  one  of  Bentham's  works,  published  in  1791,  per- 
haps better  known  as  The  Inspection  House.     It  was  a  plan  of  making  convicts  useful. 

2  Another  hybrid  perfect  participle  made  from  the  French  verb  abimer,  to  ruin. 
}     A  hybrid  verb  which  we  have  already  met,  meaning  bothered. 

4  Probably  for  foindre  de  afton.  The  evening  begins  to  break.  The  French  might  say 
La  nuit  commence  a  poindre,  although  this  word  is  ordinarily  used  with  reference  to  the  dawn. 
The  reader  will  mark  that  it  is  now  October,  and  the  night  sets  in  very  early. 


239 


Private     y  ourn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

probably  learned  how  dangerous,  &c.  The  streets  of 
the  lower  town  full  of  drunken  English  sailors.  Home 
at  6.  Tea.  Liming  came  in  at  7.  His  whole  time 
seems  to  be  employed  in  my  concerns.  He  discovers 
my  wants,  and,  without  saying  a  word  to  me,  makes 
them  his  own  business.  This  afternoon  he  has  pro- 
cured me  a  traveling  companion  ;  a  German  gentle- 
man, who  speaks  the  Swedish,  going  to  Copenhagen, 
and  to  set  off  on  Tuesday,  but  will  wait  a  day  or  two 
for  me  if  requisite  !  He  (Luning)  has  also  found 
Dutch  ducats,  for  which  I  can  exchange  the  small  sum 
of  Swedish  paper  I  have  on  hand.  On  our  arrival  our 
passports  were  sent  to  the  police  for  inspection  as  the 
law  requires.  They  were  brought  back  this  morning. 
The  bearer  demanded  36  sch.  each  for  his  trouble. 
Apropos  of  passports  :  On  our  way  from  Stockholm 
at  a  town  a  sentinel,  rather  harsh  looking,  stopped  us 
and  demanded  if  we  had  passports.  "  Yes,  sir,"  says 
Luning,  and  presenting  a  silver  plote\  the  face  of  the 
sentinel  relaxed  into  complacency.  He  thanked  us 
with  earnestness,  and  wished  us  a  pleasant  journey. 
At  another  time  we  were  brought  to  by  a  custom- 
house officer.  In  every  town  they  have  a  right  to 
search  your  baggage  for  contraband  goods.  L.,  who 
is  never  at  a  loss,  presented  a  1 2  sch.  bill,  which  satis- 
fied the  officer  that  we  had  nothing  unlawful.  Nor- 
denshjold  and  Damm  called  this  afternoon ;  but  from 
the  gentleman  to  whom  I  sent  letters  not  a  word.  N. 


I     For  Swedish   />/««,  pronounced  plote.      A  very  thin  old  Swedish  coin.     One  Swedish    dic- 
tionary says:  "  Imaginary  money  nearly  of  20  pence  English,"  whatever  that  may  mean. 

240 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

and  D.  something  cooler.  There  is  something  in  the 
atmosphere  which  I  have  not  yet  discovered,  and 
probably  never  shall. 

Goteborg  (which  is  the  Swedish  spelling),  Octo- 
ber 10,  1809.  Couche  at  y2  p.  10.  Rose  at  6.  At 
10  called  on  Madame  Daily.  She  anticipated  the 
object  of  my  visit  (so  far,  I  mean,  as  regards  business), 
by  offering  her  services  to  take  anything,  parcels  or 
letters,  for  me  to  England.  This  is  just  what  I 
wished,  finding  that  I  must  still  disencumber  myself 
of  papers  and  small  articles.  On  her  fidelity  and 
punctuality  I  can  rely.  Sat  an  hour.  Home  and 
went  to  overhauling  papers  and  baggage  to  see  what  I 
could  spare.  A  very  embarrassing  business.  I  can 
never  decide  what  to  leave  and  what  to  take.  If  you 
were  here — ah,  why  are  you  not  ? — you  would  settle 
all  this  in  a  single  minute,  and  all  would  be  right. 
But  I  take  up  a  paper  and  hold  it,  turning  and  twist- 
ing it,  for  10  minutes,  and  am  still  undecided.  Already 
I  have  had  occasion  to  regret  the  want  of  a  paper 
which  is  among  those  sent  off  by  Barry.  This  makes 
me  still  more  cautious  and  indecisive.  If  there  were 
an  opportunity  direct  to  the  United  States,  I  should 
be  at  no  loss.  But  there  is  no  such  thing,  nor  can  I 
find  any  mode  of  communication  to  you  but  through 
England ;  a  mode  to  which,  you  know,  I  have  very 
serious  objections.  At  i  P.  M.  walked  to  the  harbour 
to  hunt  up  the  Americans  who  are  here.  Saw  none 
of  them,  but  got  the  names  of  six  captains,  not  one  of 
my  acquaintance.  Left  my  address  for  them  at  the 


241 


Private    J  o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

tavern  which  is  their  rendezvous,  and  at  the  same 
place  consoled  myself  with  bread  and  cheese,  and 
Swedish  ale,  16  sch.  which  counts  for  afton1.  Home 
at  */2  ?•  2.  and  went  to  work  again  at  my  papers,  but 
made  no  progress.  Liming  came  in  at  5,  having  been 
running  about,  as  usual,  for  me.  He  walked  to  see 
Lehman,  a  Bremener,  who  is  to  be  my  comp.  de  voy- 
age*. It  won't  do.  He  has  a  lady  in  charge,  and  will 
travel  in  a  way  which  will  not  suit  me.  He  goes  at  4 
to-morrow  morning.  Will  forward  a  letter  for  me  to 
Hauterive.  In  our  walk  we  met  a  man  of  Liining's 
acquaintance  whose  name  is  Bollman  ;  a  circumstance 
I  did  not  learn  till  we  got  home.  Will  see  him  again 
to  inquire.  L.  and  I  agreed  to  treat  ourselves  to  a 
supper  of  oysters  and  Rhenish  wine.  Sent  out  for 
both.  Two  bottles  of  wine  cost  3  dollars.  About  a 
peck  of  oysters,  3  dollars ;  rather  an  extravagant 
meal.  After  all  was  served,  L.,  who  had  taken  all  the 
trouble,  and  affected  to  be  very  keen,  acknowledged 
that  he  was  unwell ;  could  neither  eat  nor  drink,  and 
must  go  to  bed,  which  he  did  at  7.  So  you  see  all 
his  zeal  for  the  supper  was  to  gratify  me.  I  made 
him  drink  a  bottle  of  warm  sangaree,  made  of  our 
wine.  Made  my  supper.  The  oysters  are  very 
small,  generally  of  a  greenish  colour,  and  always  a 
strong  coppery  taste ;  just  like  the  English.  I  tried 
them  roasted  and  raw,  but  could  only  get  down  nine. 
Of  the  wine  I  drank  two-thirds  of  a  bottle.  Wrote 


I      For  aftonmaltid.     Supper. 

Z     For  comfagnon  de  voyage.     Traveling  companion. 


242 


Private     ^Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

my  letter  to  Hauterive,  enclosing  a  copy  of  that  which 
I  wrote  him  from  Stockholm,  and  at  ^  p.  10  took  it 
to  Lehman's,  but  all  were  abed.  Knocked ;  no 
answer,  and  so  came  off.  Must  be  up  at  4  to  secure 
the  conveyance  of  it. 

ii.  Couche  at  12.  Rose  at  4.  Made  my  own 
fire.  Waked  up  the  boy  (a  beautiful  lad  of  13,  son 
of  the  landlady)  and  sent  him  with  the  letter.  He 
found  all  asleep  and  no  signs  of  traveling.  At  5  he 
went  again ;  still  asleep.  At  7  found  a  servant,  who 
said  that  his  master  never  got  up  till  9.  At  9  sent 
him,  and  the  letter  was  delivered.  Walked  with 
Liming,  who  is  quite  well  this  morning,  to  Todd's 
(the  tavern  at  the  harbour)  to  see  the  Americans ;  not 
one  there.  Walked  on  to  the  lower  harbour,  about 
three  miles,  and  home.  Called  on  Lehman  on  return- 
ing ;  he  does  not  go  till  to-morrow.  Met  in  the 
street  Mr.  Gibson,  who  introduced  himself  to  me  and 
said  he  had  no  letters.  Home  at  12.  Dr.  Schulzen 
had  called  in  my  absence.  At  i  went  again  to  Todd's; 
not  one  of  the  captains  to  be  seen.  Again  took  bro 
and  oust1  with  the  addition  of  smoeur*  and  ale;  24sch. 
Home  at  y^  p.  2.  A  letter,  a  letter,  a  letter  !  At  a 
moment  when  I  had  given  up  all  expectation  and  even 
all  hope  !  At  5  P.  M.  this  same  Tuesday,  October 
nth,  came  in  a  tall,  meagre,  well-dressed  man  and 
asked  if  I  were  A.  B.  "  Yes."  He  handed  me  a 
letter  superscribed  in  your  handwriting.  It  is  your 
letter  of  ist  and  2d  August.  I  could  have  kissed  the 

I     For  Swedish  ost.     Cheese, 
z     For  Swedish  smor.     Butter. 

243 


Private     J  o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

fellow  !  After  reading  it  a  few  times,  I  went  to  return 
the  visit  of  Dr.  Schulzen,  whom  found  at  home.  A 
modest  man,  of  good  sense,  and  a  countenance  of 
goodness.  Home  at  6.  Tea.  Liining  not  come  in, 
and  now,  at  10  o'clock,  I  have  done  nothing  but 
write  this.  Your  letter  has  discomposed  my  projects 
a  little ;  but  I  shall  persist  in  them,  as  you  shall  see1. 
Helsingborg,  October  21,  1809.  Supped  again 
last  night  with  the  beautiful  family  of  Barque  c.  d.  Pres. 
des  tribunaux  soes.  en  Pomeraniai.  Drank  fro.  de  vin, 
seeing  that  I  had  dined  with  the  Governor ;  was,  in 
consequence,  obliged  to  sit  up  till  3,  smoking,  and 
reading,  and  writing.  Having  resolved  to  be  up  early 
and  off  at  9,  slept  sound  till  y2  p.  10  !  Pas  fro.  bien*. 
At  y2  p.  1 1  called  on  Colonel ,  the  Command- 
ant, who  comports  with  the  utmost  politeness.  Will 
order  a  boat  at  any  hour.  Desired  it  might  be  at  2  ; 
but  the  passports  of  Hendrick  not  having  arrived, 
shall  be  obliged  to  go  stark  alone.  At  y2  p.  1 2  got  my 
breakfast,  and  went  to  packing  up.  In  the  midst  of 
it,  came  in  a  very  gentlemanly-looking  man,  who 
introduced  himself  to  me  as  the  Prussian  consul  at 
Elsinore.  Gave  me  much  useful  information.  Had 
a  special  favor  to  ask,  to  which  agreed.  Had  just 
done  packing,  when  came  in  the  visiting  officer,  whose 


1  Under  date  of  Gothenburg,  October  iz,  1809,  Burr  wrote  to  Henry  Gahn,  Swedish  con- 
sul, New  York,  as  follows  :  "  It  would  require  volumes  to  give  you  an  account  of  the  persons 
and  things  which  1  have  seen  and  thought  worthy  of  notice.     An  imperfect  sketch  is  preserved 
in  a  Journal  which  I  have  kept  for  the  amusement  of  my  daughter;  and  which,  if  it  should  ever 
reach  America,  shall  be  offered  to   your  perusal.      *****      I  am  indebted  to  you  for  the 
amusement  and  instruction  which  I  have  found  in  this  country;  which,  but  for  you,  I  should 
not  have  visited.     I  leave  it  with  regret,  bearing  the  most  pleasing  recollections  of  its  hospitali- 
ties and  with  indelible  sentiments  of  admiration  and  respect." 

2  Formerly  President  of  the  Swedish  tribunals  in   Pomerania.     (Soes.  probably  for  suidoii.) 
J      [Feeling]  none  too  well. 

244 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

duty  it  is  to  inspect  baggage,  &c.  Was  sent  by  the 
Governor,  that  I  might  not  have  the  trouble  of  send- 
ing my  trunks  to  the  custom-house,  or  opening  them 
on  the  wharf.  The  examination  consisted  in  opening 
my  trunks,  and  without  moving  an  article,  he  standing 
six  yards  off,  and  then  he  received  from  me  ^  dollar; 
very  pleasant.  How  fortunate  is  my  long  sleeping. 
The  Commandant  came  in  at  yz  p.  2.  "  Good  news 
for  you.  The  passport  of  Hendrick  is  arrived,  and 
he  shall  receive  mine  in  fifteen  minutes."  A  few 
minutes  after  he  brought  it,  and  waited  to  eschort1  me 
to  the  landing,  and  see  me  safe  aboard.  Heighho !  for 
another,  and,  nominally,  a  hostile  kingdom.  Driz- 
zling, fog,  and  brisk  gale. 

Elsinore,  October  21,  1809.  We  crossed  in  an 
hour  in  a  small  open  boat,  though  the  wind  was 
strong  ahead;  the  distance  1,331  toises*.  Before  leav- 
ing the  Danish  shore  the  sky  cleared,  and  the  sun 
shone  brilliant;  weather  mild.  At  about  100  yards 
from  the  Danish  shore  were  met  by  the  Danish  flag  of 
truce,  another  boat  like  ours ;  for  the  Swedish  boat  is 
not  allowed  to  approach  nearer  the  shore.  Each  boat 
has  a  white  flag  to  manifest  the  pacific  intent.  In  the 
Danish  boat  we  and  our  baggage  embarked,  and  were 
presently  ashore.  Another  boat  took  our  passports 
to  the  Danish  Commandant  at  the  castle.  The  castle 

which  has  for  levied  tribute  on  all  Europe. 

We  landed,  leaving  our  baggage,  and  went  under 
guard  to  the  custom-house,  where  an  officer  examined 

I     So  throughout  the  MS. 

i     A  toiie  is  a  French  measure  of  slightly  more  than  six  feet. 

245 


Private     yournal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

our  passports,  endorsed  them,  and  transmitted  us, 
under  guard,  to  the  castle,  about  half  a  mile,  where  we 
were  exhibited  to  the  Commandant,  an  elderly  man  of 
grave  but  courteous  deportment.  He  asked  in 
French,  if  I  were  Colonel  Burr.  I  replied  that  I  had 
no  claim  to  a  military  title,  but  was  commonly  so 
called.  Ask  me  to  sit ;  inquired  when  I  proposed  to 
go  to  Copenhagen.  "  To-morrow."  Said  my  pass- 
ports should  be  transmitted  to  me  that  evening. 
Went  then  to  our  proposed  lodgings,  Madame  Jeuel's. 
At  the  door  saw  carts  loaded  with  furniture  and  much 
bustle.  The  good  lady  had  sold  out,  and  was  in  the 
act  of  moving.  In  this  dilemma  a  sprightly  young 
man  interposed ;  supposed  we  were  Americans 
addressed  to  his  house ;  offered  to  provide  us  lodg- 
ings, and  in  ten  minutes  we  were  splendidly  lodged 
cbez  Oder,  a  confectioner.  Our  new  friend  then  went 
with  us  to  see  after  our  baggage.  Found  it  at  the 
custom-house.  Our  trunks  were  barely  opened  and 
shut.  He  paid  the  necessary  (customary)  douceurs*. 
Our  baggage  being  lodged,  he  ordered  tea,  at  which 
we  had  the  pleasure  of  his  company.  Inquired  what 
hour  we  should  sup,  and  ordered  supper.  Told  us 
the  wines  were  excellent,  and  ordered  claret  and  port. 
It  being  a  mild,  brilliant,  moonlight  evening,  he  pro- 
posed to  walk  to  the  King's  Garden  and  park 
adjoining  the  town,  and  thither  we  went.  The  Palace 
small,  but  neat  and  good  taste.  About  twenty  or 
thirty  statues  in  a  circular  area  in  front,  prettily 

I     Literally  sweetnesses   or  softnesses;  hence   the   wherewithal  to   soften  the  custom-house 
officers. 

246 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

disposed.  The  hill  and  terrace  in  the  rear,  something 
higher  than  the  top  of  the  Palace,  extends  a  consider- 
able length,  perhaps  half  a  mile,  and  affords  a 
magnificent  and  varied  view  of  the  town,  the  castle, 
the  ocean,  the  Baltic,  the  Swedish  coast,  and  the  town 
of  Helsingborg.  Paused  at  the  tomb  of  Hamlet.  It 
is  on  this  terrace  ;  a  square  pillar,  about  four  feet  high, 
and  without  inscription ;  the  only  monument.  I 
would  willingly  have  passed  an  hour  alone  on  this 
terrace.  Returned  by  another  gate.  The  town  very 
quiet.  Our  supper  served  at  9.  Eels  and  mutton, 
both  excellent,  and  the  wines  did  justice  to  his  recom- 
mendation, as  he  did  to  them.  At  */£  p.  10  he  left  us, 
first  inquiring  at  what  hour  in  the  morning  he  should 
call  to  go  and  show  us  the  church,  which  I  had 
expressed  a  curiosity  to  see.  I  appointed  ^  p.  8. 
My  companion,  Hendrick,  went  to  bed,  and  I  sat  till 
past  12,  smoking  the  segars  which  our  young  friend 
had  given  me. 

22.  Coucbe  at  12.  Rose  at  7.  The  coverture* 
of  my  bed  last  night  was  a  down  (duvet)  bed,  very 
light,  but  so  intolerably  hot  that  I  was  obliged  to  dis- 
miss it  and  get  a  blanket.  Our  friend  came  punctually 
at  the  appointed  time.  We  were  at  breakfast,  and  he 
joined  us,  not  having  breakfasted.  Went  to  see 
the  church.  The  interior  is  Gothic  excessively  sur- 
charged with  ornament  of  all  colours.  The  pictures 
in  a  very  coarse  style.  Yet  there  is  a  solemnity  in 
those  lofty  arches  which  renders  it  the  best  style  of 


I     For  couvertur 


247 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

architecture  for  temples.  The  sexton  could  tell 
nothing  of  the  history  of  the  church.  Saw  no  date 
older  than  300  years.  Went  up  into  the  cupola. 
The  fog  prevented  seeing  anything,  and  we  had  the 
pleasure  of  coming  down  again  a  dark,  steep  stairway, 
and  sometimes  a  ladder.  Thence  went  to  see  the 
Commandant,  in  which  I  had  several  views,  one  of 
which  was  to  get  rid  of  the  vexatious  ceremony  of 
presentation  at  the  police  on  my  arrival  at  Copen- 
hagen. Was,  of  course,  stopped  by  a  centinel1  at  the 
outer  gate.  Sent  by  a  soldier  my  card,  together  with 
a  message  that  I  was  waiting  admission  to  see  him. 
Was  admitted  and  courteously  received.  Asked 
indirectly,  and  with  apologies,  to  see  the  apartments 
in  the  castle.  He  informed  me  that  the  whole  was 
now  a  barracks,  and  the  chapel  a  magazine ;  that  all 
the  furniture  and  pictures  were  removed  to  Copen- 
hagen. He  walked  with  me  through  two  or  three 
rooms,  but  with  evident  reluctance ;  so,  pretending 
that  my  curiosity  was  quite  satisfied,  and  having 
obtained  the  promise  of  a  letter,  which,  being  shown 
to  the  police  at  Copenhagen,  would  exonerate  me 
from  personal  attendance,  I  took  leave.  One  circum- 
stance, however,  did  not  quite  please  me.  When  I 
was  yesterday  at  the  custom-house  to  exhibit  my 
baggage,  the  officer  asked  if  I  had  any  sealed  letters. 
I  told  him  I  had  one  of  introduction  from  Baron 
Engerstrom  to  M.  Didelot,  the  French  minister  at 
Copenhagen.  He  made  no  further  inquiry,  nor  did 
he  ask  to  see  this  letter ;  but,  having  accidentally 

I     So  in  the  MS. 

248 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

shown  it  to  the  Commandant,  he  said  he  was  bound, 
by  his  orders,  to  retain  it,  and  to  transmit  it  to  the 
King ;  but  assured  me  that  it  would  be  forthwith 
delivered,  unopened,  to  its  address.  I  had  scarcely 
got  home  when  a  Sergeant  brought  me  the  promised 
letter  from  the  Commandant,  an  open  letter  to  be 
shown  to  the  police.  We  had  engaged  a  carriage  ;  a 
long  wicker  wagon,  with  seats  on  springs,  for  5  dollars. 
The  distance  is  about  twenty-six  English  miles. 
These  5  dollars  are  equal  to  about  i  */£  of  your  money. 
It  was  near  12  before  we  were  ready  to  set  off,  and  our 
young  friend  thought  we  had  better  eat  a  beefsteak,  to 
prevent  delay  on  the  road,  and  he  ordered  it.  With 
the  steak  (which  was  very  good),  potatoes,  and  porter, 
we  made  a  hearty  meal,  and  he  had  the  goodness  to 
join  us.  Our  bill  at  this  house  was  22  dollars  and  3 
marks.  At  1 2  we  set  off.  The  road  is  broad,  straight, 
elevated,  turnpiked,  and  requires  toll ;  very  small, 
however,  about  8  j/z.1  for  the  whole  distance.  The 
fog  and  mist  prevented  the  enjoyment  of  distant  views. 
There  is  generally  cultivation  on  each  side.  Some 
heaths.  Rather  deficient  in  wood.  Generally  thin 
soil,  of  sandy  loam.  Everywhere  piles  of  turf  dug 
up  for  fuel.  The  fences  generally  of  sod,  with  a  small 
ditch  on  one  or  both  sides.  In  some  places  a  substan- 
tial bank,  like  those  on  your  rice-plantations.  No 
rocks  or  ridges ;  few  stones.  Few  houses  worthy  of 
notice.  Gentle  swells  and  hills ;  none  lofty.  Fre- 
quently in  view  of  the  ocean  on  the  left,  and  several 

I     Stivers.     The  stiver  was  worth  perhaps  z  cents. 

249 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

small  lakes.  At  half  way,  a  small  town  of  about  sixty 
houses  in  one  street ;  generally  of  one  story  and  very 
low,  called  Amsterdam.  Passed  two  manufactories, 
one  of  cotton  spinning,  weaving,  and  printing.  A 
palace  of  the  King  a  little  this  side  of  Amsterdam.  It 
was  dark  before  reaching  this  city.  At  the  first  gate 
our  passports  were  examined.  At  the  next  the  cus- 
tom-house officer  visited  our  baggage.  It  was  done 
with  courtesy,  and  did  not  detain  us  two  minutes. 
Arrived  at  Rau's  Hotel,  in  the  Grand  Square,  at  7. 
The  approach  to  the  city  is  very  pretty ;  for  notwith- 
standing the  fog,  the  moon  (nearly  full)  gave  light 
enough  to  show  us  something.  About  a  mile  before 
reaching  the  walls  of  the  town,  on  an  extensive  plain, 
you  are  presented  with  three  avenues  through  rows  of 
trees.  The  middle  one  was  our  road. 

Copenhagen,  October  23,  1809.  No  theatre  was 
opened  last  evening,  nor  was  there  any  public  amuse- 
ment. After  strolling  an  hour,  during  which  mus. 
mauu.\  i  d.1  came  home;  took  tea  as  my  supper;  en- 
gaged a  servant  at  3  marks  a  day  ;  not,  however,  to 
attend  me  exclusively.  LI.  de  ch.  gro.  pas  mauv.  mus. 
encore1.  My  room,  a  very  large  and  elegant  one  on 
the  first  floor,  looks  into  the  square,  and  it  is  again 
my  good  fortune  to  have  a  military  parade  and  band 
of  music  under  my  window  in  the  morning.  After 
breakfast  sent  cards  to  Olsen,  formerly  minister  pleni- 
potentiary from  this  government  to  the  United  States, 

I      For  muse  mauvaise;  I  dollar.     Bad  »iusr;  I  dollar. 

i     For  F  tile  de  chambre  ;  grosse,  fas  mauvaise.     Muse  encore.     The   chambermaid,  fat,   not 
bad  ;    muse  again. 

250 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

and  to  Nailsen,  formerly  judge  in  Santa  Cruz,  who 
passed  some  time  in  New  York  on  his  way  home. 
Both  were  abroad.  Olsen  at  some  distance  at  a  coun- 
try seat.  Sent  also  Baron  d'Albedyhll's  letter  to  M. 
de  Coningk,  conseiller  d'etat*,  with  card.  Hearing  that 
G.  Jay,  American  consul  for  Rotterdam,  lodged  in 
this  house,  sent  my  name  by  a  servant.  Walked 
about  town  an  hour  or  two.  It  is  regularly  laid  out 
on  a  plain.  The  harbour  artificial.  Very  few  vessels. 
Houses  almost  universally  of  brick,  but  generally 
made  white  or  stone-coloured.  Had  a  bowl  of  soup, 
with  a  bottle  of  Rhenish  wine,  in  my  room  for  dinner. 
In  the  afternoon  took  a  servant  to  pilot  me  to  the 
Observatory.  The  height  is  said  to  be  160  feet, 
placed  nearly  in  the  center  of  the  town,  and  affords  a 
most  perfect  bird's-eye  view  of  the  whole,  with  a  pros- 
pect of  the  ocean  ;  a  fine  landscape  in  the  interior ; 
the  Palace  of  Fredericksberg,  finely  placed  on  an 
eminence.  The  Swedish  coast.  The  ascent  to  the 
top  is  singular  ;  not  by  steps,  but  an  inclined  spiral 
plane,  paved  with  brick.  It  is  said  that  a  former 
King  drove  up  with  a  coach  and  four,  which  is  very 
practicable  till  you  come  within  about  ten  feet  of  the 
summit,  where  you  have  steps,  but  how  he  got  back 
is  not  said,  for  it  is  utterly  impossible  to  turn.  Paid 
i  mark,  and  one  more  to  my  conductor.  Home  and 
alone  the  evening.  La  flick*  later. 

24.     Rose    at   7.     The    Prussian    consul,    Mr. 
Tutine,  called  to  see  me,  with   Hendrick  to  introduce 


1  State  Councilor. 

2  For  la  flicka.     French  and  Swedish.     The  lass. 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

him,  and  presently  Mr.  John  de  Coningk  (son  of  the 
gentleman  to  whom  I  had  a  letter)  on  the  part  of  his 
father  who  is  invalid  (a  paralytic  stroke)  and  to  ask 
me  to  dine  on  Wednesday.  Ought  to  have  written  a 
great  deal  this  evening,  as  Hendrick  goes  to-morrow 
and  another  safe  occasion  may  not  soon  offer ;  but  it 
is  now  12  and  have  not  written  a  line.  Yes,  I  wrote 
a  copy  of  my  letter  to  Hauterive  for  the  mail  to-mor- 
row, and  nothing  more. 

25.  Rose  at  7.  At  10  to  de  Coningk's  ;  saw 
only  the  son.  It  is  an  immense  house  and  everything 
in  a  style  of  great  elegance.  Thence  to  return  the 
visit  of  the  Prussian  consul,  about  one  mile,  being 
just  without  the  walls  on  the  road  to  Elsinore  ;  not  at 
home,  but  his  wife,  whom  I  met  in  the  court,  on  see- 
ing my  card  introduced  me  to  her  sister  and  daughter 
and  proposed  a  walk  in  the  garden.  It  is  prettily  laid 
out,  and  contains  many  acres.  An  avenue  extending 
in  a  straight  line  to  the  sea  about  ^  mile.  Madame  a 
very  pleasing,  well-behaved  woman.  Home  at  12. 
Walked  over  the  ruins,  of  which  a  part  is  the  magnifi- 
cent church  of  ,  the  most  splendid  in  the  city, 

and  containing  many  monuments  of  kings  and  great 
men.  The  walls  and  the  roof  are  standing.  To  a 
bookseller's,  where,  on  entering,  I  was  called  by  my 
name.  In  a  town  of  this  size,  about  80,000  inhabi- 
tants, a  stranger  is  immediately  known.  Home. 
Wrote  a  short  letter  to  Liming  ;  a  very  short  and 
unsatisfactory  one,  not  having  procured  for  him  the 
mercantile  information  which  I  had  promised  ;  but, 


252 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

indeed,  I  have  tried.  At  2  Hendrick  actually  set  off, 
having  been  on  the  point  of  starting  since  8  this 
morning.  Sold  a  dubloon  for  48  rix  dollars.  The 
money  here,  as  in  Sweden,  is  paper,  but  still  more 
depreciated  than  there.  A  guinea  is  worth  16  dollars. 
Prices  have  not  advanced  quite  in  the  same  propor- 
tion ;  so  that,  to  one  having  gold  or  credit  in  Ham- 
burg, living  is  very  cheap,  as  you  shall  see.  Dined  in 
my  room  and  alone  yesterday  and  to-day  and  had  a 
bottle  of  wine  each  day.  You  see  I  am  making  up 
arrears.  After  dinner,  walked  in  the  King's  Garden. 
It  is  a  garden  and  park,  a  beautiful  promenade,  but 
did  not  go  over  it;  having  renc.  jo.,  genf.,  home 
ens  em.1;  4  rix  dollars.  In  the  evening  the  maid  at  the 
usual  hour  brought  tea  but  in  a  very  unusual  style. 
A  splendid  tea  service  of  silver  and  two  cups.  I  asked 
why  she  brought  two  cups  (I  being  alone).  She  said 
with  perfect  simplicity  and  without  any  smile  or  queer 
looks  that  she  supposed  Madame  would  have  staid  to 
tea.  In  the  evening  walked  out,  intending  to  go  to 
the  park  again,  but  the  gate  was  locked,  though  only 
8  o'clock.  In  walking,  however,  a  renc. ;  i  r.  d. ; 
-passab?  How  unnecessary  and  how  silly  ! 

26.  Sat  up  till  i  last  evening,  being  a  little  out 
of  humor  with  one  Gamp  ;  made  some  pious  resolu- 
tions. Rose  at  7.  At  10  to  leave  a  card  for  the 
French  minister,  Mon.  Didelot ;  in  the  country,  not 
having  yet  returned  to  town.  Perhaps  I  have  not 

I  For  having  rencontre  [une  file]  jolie,  gentille,  home  ensemble.  Having  come  across  a 
genteel,  pretty  girl,  went  home  together. 

Z  For  a  rencontre;  2  rix  dollars;  fassable.  A  rencounter;  2  rix  dollars;  tolerable  or 
middling. 

2  53 


Private     journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

told  you  that  the  Commandant  at  Elsinore  retained 
Engerstrom's  letter  to  Didelot.  He  said  he  was 
expressly  bound  by  his  orders  to  do  so.  I  learned 
yesterday  that  the  letter  had  been  delivered.  All 
letters  coming  in  or  going  out  must  be  examined  by  the 
police.  I  went  there  (to  the  police-office)  yesterday 
with  my  letter  for  Hauterive,  which  was  examined  and 
sealed  with  their  seal,  which  is  a  warrant  to  the  post- 
master to  receive  and  forward  it.  My  letter  being  in 
English,  and  written  stylographically,  was  not  very 
legible,  as  you  know.  Yesterday,  too,  I  went  with 
Hendrick  to  the  museum,  of  which  more  another 
time.  Paid  for  the  party  3  dollars.  Remember, 
when  dollars  are  mentioned  in  Denmark,  it  means  the 
paper  dollar,  as  before  explained.  At  3  went  to  de 
Coningk's  to  dine.  Found  there  the  son  heretofore 
mentioned  ;  a  very  sensible  and  well-bred  man,  speak- 
ing perfectly  well  French  and  English  ;  his  wife  ditto ; 
her  sister ;  two  daughters  of  Professor  Puerari, 
Genevois1,  a  man  of  very  prepossessing  manners  and 
appearance.  The  dinner  good  and  abundant.  No 
troublesome  stiffness  or  forms.  All  rose  at  once. 
After  coffee  and  tea,  home  at  7.  Had  scarcely  got 
home  before  Hosack  and  Robinson  came  in.  I  was, 
indeed,  very  glad  to  see  them.  You  may  recollect 
that  we  parted  on  the  2d  of  October.  They  brought 
me  a  letter  from  Liming ;  a  most  affectionate  letter, 
but  something  more ;  enclosing  a  draught  on  his  cor- 
respondent at  Hamburg  for  1,000  marks  !  Did  you 

I     For  Ginevois.     Genevese. 

254 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

ever  hear  of  anything  to  equal  this  except  in  novels  ? 
I  am  quite  embarrassed  what  to  do1.  In  the  evening, 
to  my  great  surprise,  and  uninvited,  tapped  gently  at 
my  door  Tempe.  You  know  I  never  disappoint  peo- 
ple if  I  can  help  it  and  so  T.  was  not  dismissed  ;  4  rix 
dollars.  With  great  trepidation  I  opened  the  picture 
on  Sunday  morning.  It  has  suffered  no  injury.  It 
hangs  in  my  room  ;  but  I  am  quite  out  of  humour  that 
my  visitors  have  expressed  only  commonplace  admir- 
ation. La  jeune  M'lle  de  Coningk  has  expressed  a 
desire  to  see  it,  and  thither  you  go  to-morrow. 

27.  Couche  at  i.  Rose  at  7.  You  must  know, 
Madame,  that  the  King  and  Queen  are  expected  to 
arrive  at  Fredericksberg  to-morrow,  and  to  make 
formal  entre1  in  town  on  Saturday.  There  are  to  be 
great  doings.  M.  de  Coningk  called  this  morning  to 
propose  to  take  me  to  Mr.  de  Hellfried's  this  even- 
ing, who  would  invite  me  to  take  my  stand  at  his 
house  on  Saturday,  as  being  a  most  eligible  spot  for 
seeing  the  procession  ;  agreed.  Mr.  de  H.  is  com- 
mander of  the  Order  of  Danborg,  and  one  of  his 
daughters  married  Schlegel5,  author  of  a  "  Treatise  on 
Neutral  Rights,"  which  I  read  some  three  or  four 
years  ago  with  great  pleasure  and  approbation. 
Walked  about  town  this  forenoon.  It  is  very  hand- 

1  Liining's  letter,  under  date  of  October   21,  1809,  was  as  follows  :  "  I  take  the   liberty   to 
send  you  the  enclosed  letter,  at  the  producing  of  which  Mr.  H.  Bauer  will  pay  you  1,000  marks, 
Hamburg  currency,  which  you  will  please  reimburse  when  you  arrive  in  England  or  America.    I 
cannot  tell  you  how  much  I  am  thankful  to   Providence  for  having  given  me  the  pleasure  to  get 
acquainted  with  a  man  whom  I  admired  long  ago.     I  esteemed  you  before;  now  I  love  you.' 

2  For  entree.     Entry. 

J  Friedrich  Schlegel  (1772-1829).  The  title  of  the  work  was  "Sur  la  Visite  des  Vaiaeaux 
Neutres  Sous  Convti,  ou  Examen  Impartial  du  Jugement  Prononce  far  le  Tribunal  de 
r  Amiraut'e  Angloise  1799,"  etc.  "  On  the  Visit  of  Neutral  Ships  under  Convoy,  or  an  Impar- 
tial Examination  of  the  Decision  Pronounced  by  the  Court  of  the  English  Admiralty." 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

some,  but  of  this  more  anon.  Din.  seul  and  a  bottle 
wine.  Have  tried  in  vain  to  hire  a  valet  de  place1,  my 
Mons.  Thomas  being  of  no  use  to  me  ;  gets  drunk 
before  dinner.  At  7  Mr.  de  C.  called,  and  we  went 
to  Mr.  de  Hellfried's.  There  was  Schlegel.  Madame 
Clements,  also  daughter  of  de  C.,  came  in  and  I  did 
not  at  first  recognize  her,  nor  did  I  afterward  atone 
for  it.  She  staid  but  a  few  minutes.  A  bonnet  and 
a  change  of  dress  prevented,  and  disguised  her.  At 
dinner,  yesterday,  was  much  pleased  with  her.  Will 
atone  the  first  opportunity.  Staid  about  an  hour.  A 
very  pleasant  family.  Schlegel  just  such  a  man  as  I 
wished  and  expected  to  find  ;  apparently  about  44. 
Sat  an  hour  and  home.  Mr.  Hellfried  lent  me  a 
book,  of  which  he  is  the  author,  "  A  Survey  of  the 
British  Attack  on  Denmark  in  1807."  I  read  about 
one  hundred  pages.  It  is  written  with  a  genuine 
patriotic  enthusiasm.  Omitted  :  Went  this  afternoon 
to  see  the  King's  library  ;  300,000  volumes  !  Deemed 
the  third  in  Europe.  There  are  reading  rooms  and 
fires.  Catteau  says  this  library  was  burned  in  1794. 
Not  a  book  !  The  librarian  extremely  civil ;  no  pay. 
28.  Couche  at  i.  Rose  at  7.  Called  on  J.  de 
C.  at  10.  Was  received  by  Madame  with  very 
engaging  frankness  and  ease.  Passed  an  hour  with 
the  family.  Got  some  books,  and  he  sent  his  servant 
for  others  for  me  from  the  King's  library.  Young 
brother  of  Mr.  J.  de  C.  went  to  show  me  Puerari's  ; 
out;  left  card.  Had  scarcely  got  home,  when  Puerari 

I      A  guide  for  tourists. 

256 


?^*SZ~i>         - 


-i-*~J 


S*<^~r+l 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

called  on  me.  We  walked  to  see  the  library  of  Class- 
enborg,  about  which  I  have  a  pretty  story  to  tell  you. 
This  library  is  confined  to  natural  history  and  botany, 
and  is  magnificent  in  those  departments.  It  is  in  care 
of  Professor  Ramus,  to  whom  I  was  there  introduced. 
He  tendered  himself  to  go  with  me  on  Sunday  to  the 
Palace  of  Rosen,  and  to  show  me  the  collections  of 
coins  and  medals,  which  is  said  to  be  splendid.  I 
shall  make  some  addition  to  Gampy's  stock  here. 
You  can't  think  what  trouble  the  little  varlet  has 
brought  me  into.  Having  on  my  arrival  inquired 
where  some  coins  and  medals  could  be  had,  it  was 
immediately  noised  about  that  I  was  a  medal  and  coin 
hunter,  and  scientific,  of  course,  in  numismatique1 . 
Puerari  introduced  me  as  such  to  Ramus,  for  which  I 
could  have  boxed  him.  Dined  to-day,  for  the  first 
time,  at  the  table  d'hote*,  and  am  so  well  pleased  with 
the  company  that  shall  dine  there  henceforth  when 
not  engaged  abroad.  At  6  walked  out  to  see  the 
illuminations  and  fireworks  at  the  palace  of  Freder- 
icksberg,  about  i^  miles,  on  occasion  of  the  arrival 
of  the  King  and  Queen.  You  must  know  that  the 
Queen  has  been  passing  some  months  (ever  since  the 
death  of  the  late  King)  with  her  father  in  Holstein, 
and  has  never  yet  been  seen  here  as  Queen,  which  is 
the  cause  of  all  this  stir.  And  so  it  happened  that 
we  all,  about  30,000  of  us,  came  back  as  we  went ; 
the  King  and  Queen  had  not  arrived ;  there  was 
neither  illumination  nor  fireworks ;  we  were  all  quite 

I     The  science  of  coins  and  medals. 

z     For  table  d'hote.     Literally,  host's  or  guest's  table.     A  complete  meal  regularly  served  in 
a  public  dining  room. 

257 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

sad.  The  report  is  that  the  King  cannot  get  across 
the  Belt  a  cause  dul  British  fleet.  Called  on  Schlegel 
this  morning ;  out. 

29.  Got  another  servant  (Myer)  at  i  dollar  per 
day ;    but    wholly    to   myself.       This   partnership   in 
servants  won't  do  at  all.     Myer  is  a  dignified  German 
of  72  ;  was   in   the   United  States  war,  and   has   been 
twenty-five  years  in   England.     His  last  service  was 
with  the  Russian  minister.     Sent  Myer  with  a  note  to 
G.  H.  Olsen,  brother  of  the  late  minister,  to  inquire  of 
the  latter ;  received  a  very  civil  note  in   reply  saying 
that  B.  Olsen  was  in  the  country,  but  wife  and  daugh- 
ters in  town  and  would  be  happy  to   see  me.     Went 
off  forthwith  to  see  them.      Madame  is  perfectly  well 
preserved  ;  a  sensible,  lady-like  woman.     The  daugh- 
ters very  well.     Mr.  G.  H.  O.  tendered  all  sorts  of 
civilities. 

30.  Catteau  says  that  it  rains  usually  every  day 
of  October  in  Zealand.     Since   I   landed  in  Elsinore, 
I   forgot  when,  but  you   may  see   by  looking  back,  it 
has  been  every  day  fine  till  Friday  last,  excepting  only 
the   day    I    came  from   Elsinore   to   this   place.     But 
since  Thursday  we  have   not  seen   sun  or  moon.     A 
constant  fog,  and,  generally,  mist  so  heavy  as  to  wet 
you.     Called  on  d'C.'s ;  the   King  and  Queen  have 
arrived  on  the  Island  of  Zealand.     Will  be  this  night 
at  Fredericksberg,  and  to-morrow  make  their  entre  in 
town.     G.  H.  Olsen  called  this  morning;  and  at   12 
Professor  Ramus,  by  appointment,  to  visit  the  collec- 


i     Because  of  the. 


258 


Private    journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

tion  of  coins  and  medals  at  Rosenberg.  This  palace 
built  by  Charles  IV.  or  V.,  I  forget  which,  and  is  at 
one  end  of  the  gardens,  which  are  open  for  the  public 
as  a  promenade.  The  palace  and  garckn  are  in  the 
same  enclosure.  A  wood  extending  the  length  of  the 
garden,  and  about  one  hundred  yards  wide.  The  col- 
lection is  immense.  Ramus  says  forty  thousand, 
being  in  value  and  number  next  to  those  of  Paris  and 
Vienna.  The  coins  of  all  times  and  all  nations ; 
Europe,  Asia,  America,  and  from  the  early  days  of 
Athens.  Several  of  Alexander  and  Philip.  Most  of 
them  are  described  in  a  work  printed  at  the  expense 
of  the  government,  three  immense  volumes  in  folio, 

and  sold  for  the  inconsiderable  price  of .    The 

Flora  Danica1  is  published  and  sold  in  like  manner. 
Being  with  the  Professor,  paid  nothing.  Hosack  and 
Robinson  accompanied  me.  Din.  a  table  d'hote1". 
Evening  to  Fredericksberg,  a  very  muddy  walk  of 
more  than  two  English  miles.  The  park  and  gardens 
must  be  some  hundreds  of  acres.  Water,  bridges, 
fountains ;  the  effect  (of  the  illumination)  in  some 
places  pretty,  but  nowhere  answering  my  expectations. 
Almost  total  want  of  music.  The  crowd  such  that 
one  was  in  a  constant  struggle.  The  sentinels  on  each 
side  prevented  any  one  from  going  out  of  the  walks. 
Got  home  at  10  and  consoled  myself  with  Tem.J 

31.     It  ought  to  be  the  3Oth.     When  the  blun- 
der began,  you  must  find  out.     At  1 1   to   Olsen's. 


1  The  Danish  Flora. 

2  For  diner  a  [la]  table  d'hote. 

J     For  Tempe,  a  girl  previously  referred  to. 


259 


Private     ^Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Met  Blicker  Olsen,  who  looks  as  well  as  when  in  the 
United  States,  though  complaining  of  very  bad  health. 
Received  me  civilly  and  kindly.  Has  no  establish- 
ment in  town,  and  a  very  plain  one  in  the  country. 
Their  house  and  furniture  were  burned  during  the 
English  siege.  Madame  stayed  in  the  house  till  it 
was  in  flames.  Fifty-two  balls  and  shells  had  come 
into  it  while  she  remained  there.  Hundreds  of  fam- 
ilies have  been  ruined  by  that  infernal  siege.  Dined 
at  J.  de  Coningk's ;  about  fifteen  at  table.  Nothing 
very  remarkable.  The  widow  Clements  has  announced 

her  intended  marriage  with  Mr. ,  a  gentleman 

about  ten  years  her  junior.  She  is  still  handsome  and 
desirable,  though  a  grandmother. 

Rochild1,  November  8,  1809.  The  ancient,  not, 
however,  the  most  ancient,  residence  of  the  Kings  of 
Denmark.  Though  I  left  Madame  Tutine's  et  le 
belle  Prussienne1  at  8  last  evening  much  against  my  will 
and  theirs,  and  without  any  known  or  assignable  rea- 
son, I  did  nothing  all  the  evening  ;  was  somehow  out 
of  order  and  as  I  thought  unfit  for  society  ;  some  peo- 
ple thought  otherwise.  Got  tea  a  ma  f aeon*.  Wrote 
postscript  to  my  letter  to  Liming.  At  9  came  in  the 
dom.  of  Madame  de  Wederkop  to  apologize  for  the 
disappointment  of  last  evening  and  begging  to  see  me 
in  the  morning.  The  apology  was  something  singu- 
lar. At  12  went  to  work  on  the  Coest.4  and  wrought 

1  For  Roskilde.     Burr  pays  no  attention  whatever  to  the  correct   spelling  of  geographical 
names.      Roskilde  was   an    ancient  ecclesiastical   center.     It   had   at   one   time   a  population  of 
100,000  and  was  the  capital  of  Denmark  till  1445. 

2  Le  for  la.     And  the  handsome  Prussian  lady. 

3  For  a  mafa^on.     In  my  style. 

4  See  Glossary. 

26O 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

very  hard  till  yz  p.  2.  Couche  at  3.  Lev.  at  7  quite 
well  but  more  and  more  out  of  humor  with  my  brusque 
manner  of  quitting  la  Prus.1  At  9  sor.  to  Madame 
Wederkop  ;  gave  her  in  charge  my  letter  to  Liining 
and  received  from  her  two  for  Sleswick*.  To  A.  B. 
Rothe,  with  whom  y2  hour  about  committees,  coun- 
cils, &c.  A  very  prompt,  intelligent,  communicative 
man  about  46.  He  is  to  address  to  me  at  Hamburg 
his  reply  to  my  queries.  To  Olsen's ;  Blecker  O. 
had  left  town  ;  H.  G.  O.  exceedingly  civil ;  mortified 
that  I  will  leave  town ;  offers  to  devote  himself; 
assures  me  of  all  sorts  of  respectful  attentions.  Why, 
then,  do  I  not  stay  ?  Because  I  had  resolved  to  go, 
had  announced  it,  &c.,  though  I  do  admit  that  I  have 
had  much  to  encounter  to  get  out.  From  Olsen's  to 
J.  de  Coningk's,  where  */£  hour  and  thence  home. 
Found  H.  and  R.  ready  and  waiting.  I  had  ordered 
horses  at  n.  At  n  I  got  home  and  the  horses  were 
at  the  door ;  not  a  thing  packed  up,  bills  to  settle, 
servants  to  pay,  quelle  embarras1!  We  went  to  work 
all  hands  and  at  i  were  ready  and  embarked.  The 
mode  of  traveling  is  in  a  long  wagon,  the  body  wick- 
erwork ;  no  springs  ;  but  the  seats  with  cushions  and 
backs,  hung  on  leather.  The  road  is  paved  with  peb- 
bles, like  the  streets  in  our  towns.  Note :  At  the 
moment  of  packing  up  Mr.  Hellfried  came  in  to  make 
a  visit ;  rather  late.  The  promise  of  three  marks 
above  the  customary  fee  to  the  driver  brought  us  on 


1  For  la  Prussienne. 

2  For  Schleswig. 

J     For  quel  embarras !     What  perplexity  ! 


26l 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

very  briskly.  With  four  fine,  large  black  horses,  we 
performed  this  stage  in  three  hours ;  the  distance  four 
Danish  miles,  about  twenty-one  English.  After  rising 
and  descending  the  hill  on  which  is  the  palace  of  Fred- 
ericksberg,  the  whole  is  almost  a  plain.  Many  village 
churches  ;  all  low,  and  with  a  square  tower  at  one  end, 
interspersed  with  those  little  hills  which  are  called  bar- 
rows— places  of  interment  at  a  period  beyond  tradition 
or  record.  At  one  time  I  counted  thirteen  in  view. 
These,  and  those  I  have  seen  in  Sweden,  resemble 
those  which  we  have  seen  on  the  Ohio,  the  Missis- 
sippi, and  the  Missouri.  We  dined  at  Taastrup1  (half 
way).  Goose,  excellent ;  corned  pork  (ditto),  with 
bread,  butter  and  very  fine  cheese.  Our  drink  was  a 
kind  of  light  ale.  This  repast  for  us  three,  including 
drink  for  our  coachman,  cost  3  dollars  i  mark,  about 
i  dollar  United  States  money.  Very  soon  after  leav- 
ing Taastrup1  we  had  in  view  the  turrets  of  the  ancient 
Cathedral  of  Rochild2.  We  are  lodged  in  a  neat, 
comfortable  inn.  A  widow  lady,  two  smiling  maids, 
so  like  Sweden  that  we  cannot  believe  they  are  Danes. 
On  my  arrival  called  on  Professor  Gamberg,  and 
showed  him  Olsen's  note.  He  returned  with  me  to 
the  inn.  He  has  apprised  the  wackmeister*  or  the 
sexton  to  be  ready  to  show  us  the  Cathedral  at  8  in 
the  morning.  This  is  the  object  of  my  staying  here 
to-night ;  I  must  see  the  tomb  and  bust  of  Marguerite, 

1  For  Hojetaastrup. 

2  For  Rb'skildc.     There  are  many  interesting  tombs  at   Rbskilde,  including  those  of  several 
Kings  and  Queens  of  Denmark.      The  Cathedral,  built  in  the  middle   of  the  thirteenth  century 
in  the  Transition  style,  is  with   three   exceptions  the  6nest  medieval    church  in  Scandinavia.     It 
is  z8o  feet  long ;  the  tower  is  246  feet  high. 

3  For  Danish  vagtmester.     Doorkeeper,  porter. 

262 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

called  the   Semiramis1  of  the   North,  and  of , 

but  you  shall  know.  That  you  may  judge  of  the 
expense  of  traveling — we  paid  for  our  wagon  and  four 
horses  7^  dollars,  and  i  dollar  to  the  coachman ;  in 
the  whole  about  12  shillings  sterling.  Having  dined 
plentifully,  we  took  tea  for  supper  in  the  evening ;  a 
bottle  of  very  fine  claret,  and  for  my  part,  with  hot 
water  and  sugar.  The  picture  has  come  on  my  lap. 
I  could  not  bear  to  see  you  bouncing  about  at  the 
bottom  of  the  wagon,  but  I  shall  not  open  it  again  till 
Hamburg.  My  companions  are  asleep  and  now,  at  1 1, 
having  had  my  bed  warmed,  much  the  mode  here,  I 
am  also  going  to  make  up  the  arrears  of  the  last  two 
nights,  having  ordered  breakfast  at  7  and  the 
pretty  maid  to  wake  me  at  6.  Let  me  see,  how  are 
you  now  employed?  Probably  at  breakfast,  with 
Gampy  asking  you  an  hundred  of  questions  about — 
God  knows ! 

Golding2,  Jutland,  Sunday,  November  10  or  n, 
1809.  We  crossed  the  Little  Belt'  at  8  this  evening. 
Hosack  was  so  beat  out  that  he  would  go  no  further, 
finding  there  a  tolerable  tavern.  R.  and  I  came  on 
two  and  a  half  Danish  miles,  or  ten  English,  to  this 
place,  where  we  arrived  at  midnight.  Slept  till  8. 
Hosack  came  in  about  10.  At  n  went  to  deliver 

Lieutenant    's    letter    to     Mr.    ;    was 

received  by  a  very  pretty  girl  plainly  dressed  but  of 

I  The  legendary  wife  of  Minus,  the  founder  of  Nineveh.  She  reigned  after  his  death  and 
conquered  all  Asia  except  India;  built  the  city  of  Babylon,  with  its  hanging  gardens,  etc.  She 
was  said  to  be  endowed  with  surpassing  beauty  and  wisdom.  The  Greeks  ascribed  to  this 
superlative  Queen  everything  marvelous  in  the  Orient. 

z     For  Kolding. 

3     Strait  between  Funen  and  Jutland. 

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very  fine  form,  which  proved  to  be  the  daughter.  The 
father  a  good,  kind  old  man.  M'lle  sang  and  played 
in  a  very  superior  style.  She  has  given  concerts  at 
Kyholm.  The  chateau  burnt  in  the  time  of  Berna- 
dotte,  Prince  de  Pontecorvo.  Got  off  at  i.  At  5  to 
Hadersleb.1,  the  first  town  in  Sleswig2,  famed  for  beau- 
tiful women.  The  tavern  a  very  elegant  one ;  fine 
paintings,  &c.  The  daughter  a  very  accomplished 
girl,  speaking  French  perfectly  well.  Were  much  dis- 
posed to  stay  the  night  here,  but  at  this  rate  we  shall 
never  get  on. 

Flensburg,  November  13,  1 809.  Arrived  at  5  A. 
M.,  having  been  four  and  a  half  hours  on  the  route 

from  ;  very  dark.  The  country  appeared 

to  us  to  be  a  plain ;  little  cultivated  or  inhabited 
and  destitute  of  wood.  Passed  three  small  villages  ; 
this  town  the  largest  since  leaving  Copenhagen.  Plays 
every  night ;  pleasantly  situated  on  the  water.  Rose 
at  9.  Embarras1  about  money.  Changed  two  gui- 
neas at  5  dollars  courant*. 

Sleswig1,  Monday  evening,  (I  believe),  November 
13,  1809.  Rose  this  morning  at  */£  p.  8,  having  gone 
twelve  miles  yesterday,  as  you  already  know,  and  four 
and  a  half  miles  this  day,  as  I  now  tell  you.  The 
story  is  thus.  Our  danske*  paper  money  was  exhausted 
and,  indeed,  often  was  worthless  ;  our  bills  on  Hum- 
bro6  could  not  be  sold ;  fortunately  I  had  reserved  a 


1  For  Hadersleben. 

2  For  Schleswig. 

3  Embarrassment. 

4  Current  money. 

5  Danish. 

6  For  Hamburg. 


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Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

few  guineas,  or  we  must  have  been  on  chanty.  These 
enquiries  and  the  exchange  of  guineas  which  was  finally 
done  at  4  rix  dollars,  (a  great  loss),  took  up  till  1 1 . 
We  then  set  off;  for  the  first  time  a  sort  of  cover  on 
one  seat  of  our  wagon.  Rose  a  long  hill ;  when  on 
the  height  could  see  no  water  about  the  town  of 
Flensburg,  as  I  told  you.  It  must  have  been  some 
cloud  or  an  optical  deception  which  led  me  to  the 
error.  We  then  rode  among  little  sandhills  ;  a  plain 
on  the  right ;  some  towns  at  a  distance.  Passed  some 
fine  barrows  in  perfect  preservation  ;  only  one  church. 
Two  very  small  villages.  The  whole  way  sandy  and 
heavy  road ;  were  five  and  one-half  hours  coming  the 
four  and  one-half  miles,  equal  to  about  twenty  English. 
Arrived  at  ^  p.  4  and  ordered  horses  to  go  to 
Redensborg1.  After  this  was  done  we  learn  that 
Redensborg  is  a  fortified  town,  the  gates  of  which  are 
shut  at  7  P.  M.  We  therefore  countermanded  our 
horses  and  ordered  them  at  6.  Got  an  excellent  din- 
ner at  7.  Soup,  fish,  ducks,  fowls,  with  cakes  and 
apples  for  dessert ;  had  two  bottles  wine,  of  which  I 
drank  my  one-third.  Changed  three  guineas  at  4  rix 
dollars  24  sch.  The  tavern  is  in  all  respects  excellent, 
the  house,  the  beds,  the  maids. 

Gliickstadt,  November  18,  1809.  Forever  in 
some  trouble  about  the  day  of  the  month,  but  am 
never  more  than  one  or  two  days  out.  Our  amiable 
friend  le  Commandant  Donsur  took  us  this  morning 
to  see  le  baut  Chancellier  de  Holstein2,  le  Ear  on  de 


I     For  Rendsburg. 

z    The  High  Chancellor  of  Holstein. 


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quelque  chose1  which  shall  be  found  out  and  told  anon. 
It  seems  he  had  already  announced  us,  for  his  Excel- 
lency knew  all  about  us.  Received  us  very  courteously 
and  understanding  that  we  are  to  leave  town  to-mor- 
row, asked  us  to  dine  to-day  en  famille ;  agreed.  Went 

at   y2    p.   2.     T:    Madame  ;    M ,  the 

third  Judge,  and  ,  a  literary  man  of  modest, 

intelligent  appearance  whose  name  I  regret  to  have 
lost.  The  Chancellier  appears  about  47  ;  small, 
maigre*,  but  sprightly,  courteous,  and  sensible  ;  some- 
thing like  Madison3  in  appearance.  A  la  Soedoise,  we 
all  stood  and  said  our  grace  ;  and  after  dinner  all  rose 
at  once,  and  after  returning  thanks,  bowed,  &c., 
adjourned  to  the  drawing-room.  The  dinner  was  of 
several  courses.  Each  dish  served  in  succession,  first 
being  carved  by  Madame,  and  then  handed  round  by 
the  servant.  At  each  two  plates  a  bottle  of  wine 
(claret),  tumblers  and  glasses ;  each  drank  as  he 
pleased.  Some  choice  wines  were  sent  round,  a  glass 
to  each.  Madame  has  four  lovely  children,  the  three 
youngest  particularly  ;  the  two  eldest,  girls.  Home 
at  7.  Snow  and  hail.  The  house  at  which  I  lodge 
is  the  rendezvous  of  the  Club.  The  noblesse'"  of  the 
town  meet  every  Saturday  evening  for  conversation, 
cards,  and  supper.  (The  ladies'  club  assemble  at  the 
same  house  every  Tuesday  evening.)  I  went  in  a  few 
minutes,  but  I  declined  to  join  at  cards,  as  well  from 
an  aversion  to  lose  as  because  I  must  pack  up,  and  so 


1  The  Baron  of  something. 

2  Thin,  spare. 

3  James  Madison,  at  this  time  President  of  the  United  States. 

4  The  nobility. 

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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

adieu,  Madame,  till  that  labour  be  gone  through. 
Minuit1.  Done,  even  the  picture ;  all,  all  packed, 
ready  for  starting  at  sunrise.  I  bid  you  bon  soir  a 
dozen  times  before  I  shut  you  up  in  that  dark  case. 
I  can  never  do  it  without  regret.  It  seems  as  if  I 
were  burying  you  alive. 

19.  (Supposed.)  After  parting  with  you  last 
evening  H.  came  in  ;  he  had  been  at  the  Cbancelliers 
table  and  unfortunate ;  was  willing  to  go  at  8  but  had 
rather  not;  wished  first  to  see  Captain  Davis  encore1, 

hoping  something  of  fin};  also  to  see  Mrs. of 

New  York,  who  passed  through  this  place  yester- 
day and  proposed  to  return  cet.  apremi.  Son  defunt  ami 
de  Gam4.  Assented,  therefore,  to  postpone  till  5  P. 
M.;  it  being  near  full  moon,  thought  we  could  go 
very  well  the  four  Danish  miles,  equal  to  about  seven- 
teen English,  to  Elmsholm5,  being  the  first  station. 

Staid  at  home  all  day  doing  nothing.      Mrs. 

did  not  come  nor  has  yet  come  (n  o'clock).  Captain 
D.  came  about  5.  In  the  meantime  I  had  ordered 
horses ;  by  7  no  horses  had  come  ;  sent  to  the  Magis- 
trate (something  like  our  Mayor)  whose  duty  it  is  to 
compel  the  postmaster  to  give  horses.  Returned  for 
answer  that  he  would  do  it  forthwith  ;  but  as  the  gates 
of  the  town  were  shut  at  7  it  would  be  impossible  to 
go  out  till  the  morning.  Submitted  to  the  message 
and  have  again  ordered  horses  for  8  in  the  morning. 


I  Midnight, 

z  Again. 

3  Probably  for  finance,  or  finances. 

4  This  afternoon  (cut  afres-midi).     Her  deceased  [husband]  a  friend  of  Gamp.     (Defunt.) 

5  For  Elmshorn. 


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Private    yournal    of    Aaron     Burr  . 


Captain  D.  sat  two  hours  smdparlPd1  much.     Played 
chess  with  Hosack  till  just  now  and  so  bon  soir. 

Altona,  (what  a  pretty  name),  November  20, 
1809.  We  did  actually  move  at  9  this  morning.  The 
mode  of  traveling  since  we  crossed  the  sund?  is  in  an 
immense  long  wagon,  exactly  like  the  great  Pennsyl- 
vania wagons  only  not  covered  and  that  the  body  is 
wicker-work.  There  are  three  and  sometimes  four 
seats,  all  open  ;  no  springs  except  that  the  seats  are 
hung  on  leathern  straps.  If  you  wish  a  cover  you  ask 
for  a  calash,  which  is  exactly  like  a  chaise-top  which 
falls  back.  This  occupies  and  forms  a  seat.  As  it 
snowed  a  little  and  threatened  more,  we  took  a  calash. 
At  Kreme3,  one  Danish  mile,  we  saw  again  the  beau- 
tiful little  demoiselle*  of  the  house.  She  was  very  glad 
to  see  us,  knowing  how  much  we  admired  her,  and 
was  all  activity  and  attention.  It  was  2  o'clock  when 
we  arrived  at  Elmsholm5.  There  is  no  getting  these 
people  on  more  than  three  English  miles  an  hour, 
though  I  had  promised  him  a  dollar,  if  he  would  drive 
it  in  four  hours.  While  we  were  here  waiting  for 
horses,  came  in  our  French  friend  whom  we  left  at 
Korsbr  and  with  him  a  young  Holsteiner  going  to 
Altona.  At  Pinnesborg6,  6  o'clock.  Here  Hosack 
and  I  parted.  He  went  with  the  Frenchman  to 
Hamburg.  I  came  hither  with  the  Holsteiner.  He 
recommends  to  me  to  lodge  at  Madame  Neyl's,  veuve. 
We  could  get  no  calash  at  Pinnesborg.  There  was  rain, 

I  A  hybrid  verb  from  French  purler^  to  talk. 

a  Strait,  sound.     A  Swedish  word. 

3  For  Krempe  ( 

4  Damsel. 

J     For  Elmshorn. 
6     For  Pinneberg. 

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Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

hail,  and  wind,  and  we  were  in  an  open  wagon.  You 
will  shiver  to  think  how  I  suffered.  You  may  spare 
yourself  the  trouble.  I  did  not  suffer  at  all.  We 
were  before  the  wind.  My  great  paraplui1  defended 
me  from  the  rain,  and  my  feet  and  legs  were  covered 
with  straw.  We  were  stopped  at  the  gate  to  exhibit 
our  passports  and  have  our  trunks  "visited"  (exam- 
ined). A  very  courteous  old  man  performed  this 
duty ;  and  to  save  us  trouble  came  out  in  the  rain  to 
inspect  our  baggage.  The  picture,  about  which  I  was 
most  concerned,  was  not  opened.  The  trunks  opened 
and  very  slightly  examined  ;  but  in  the  operation  some 
things  were  a  little  displaced  (you  know  how  my 
trunks  are  always  packed),  for  which  I  gronded1  the 
old  gentleman.  He  apologized  as  if  he  had  really 
erred ;  but,  in  fact,  I  did  very  ill,  for  he  might  have 
unpacked  everything,  which  would  have  delayed  us 
two  hours.  I  was  very  sorry  afterward  that  I  did  not 
treat  him  more  kindly  ;  and  why  I  did  not,  seeing  it 
was  my  nature  and  my  habit,  I  have  not  now  time  to 
tell  you,  Madame.  My  landlady  has  a  son,  10,  and 
two  daughters,  23  and  12.  L'ainee*,  a  pretty,  lively, 
sensible  girl,  speaking  French  fluently,  and  English  a 
little.  They  have  seen  better  days.  Not  a  servant 
in  the  house.  Everything  is  done  by  these  children, 
which  is  embarrassing,  for  one  does  not  know  how  to 
treat  them.  My  room  is  plainly  furnished,  but  neat 
and  comfortable.  Arrived  here  at  yz  p.  8,  the  distance 

I     For  farafluie.     Umbrella. 

a     Another  hybrid  verb  from  French  grander^  to  scold. 

3     For  rainic.     The  elder  daughter. 

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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

from     Gliickstadt    being    about    thirty-five     English 
miles. 

21.  Hosack,  as  you  may  recollect,  was  charged 
with  a  certain  inquiry  of  some  interest  to  me,  and  his 
report  was  expected  at  an  early  hour  this  morning ; 
but  nothing  was  heard  from  him  till  a  line  received  by 
the  post  at  6  this  evening.  Matters  are  just  as  I 
expected  !  Sent  the  letter  of  Lieutenant  Donner  to 
his  brother,  C.  H.  Donner,  early  this  morning,  with  a 
message  that  I  would  call  at  1 1 .  At  1 1  T  did  call. 
He  received  me  with  bonhommie*  and  politeness.  Staid 
y^  hour,  and  home.  Changed  my  quarters,  at  the 
request  of  M'lle,  to  a  larger  room.  Mist  with  a  little 
rain  and  snow  all  day.  Paid  for  hack  to  Donner's 
and  to  Frank's  tavern  (to  leave  my  address  there),  40 
sch.,  about  3  shillings  sterling.  All  day  impatiently 
expecting  Hosack.  Walked  out  several  times  ;  saw 
nothing  remarkable.  At  5  walked  over  to  Hamburg. 
The  gates  are  about  ^  mile  apart.  The  walk  is 
adorned  with  fine  rows  of  trees  ;  a  plain.  Certainly  a 
beautiful  promenade.  After  5  you  pay  4  sch.  for 
passing  the  Hamburg  gate.  Did  not  dare  to  walk 
very  far  for  fear  of  egareingz.  Rene}  again,  again  ! 
Forgot  that  I  should  want  money  to  get  back. 
Stopped  at  the  gate  and  obliged  to  pawn  my  pencil. 
Home  to  get  money,  which  borrowed  of  Madame. 
Back  to  redeem  my  pencil,  and  then  walked  again 
about  Hamburg.  Having  redeemed  pencil  now  paid 

I      For  bonhomie.     Good  nature. 

z     Hybrid  present  participle  from  French  egarer  (Segarer),  to  go  astray. 

3     For  rencontre  again  and  again.     It  probably  means  that  he  met  a  number  of  pretty  lasses. 

27O 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Madame.  Home  at  9,  and  now  was  stopped  at  the 
Altona  gate,  an  exigence  for  which  I  had  made  no 
provision.  Obliged  again  to  pawn  pencil.  Took  tea. 
On  my  first  return  home,  found  the  letter  of  Hosack 
before  mentioned.  I  forgot  to  say  that  couched  at  12 
hi.  au.  sot.1  and  this  morning  at  6  lighted  my  candle 
and  fire  with  my  own  flint.  You  see  I  go  always 
provided.  At  6  this  evening  the  sky  cleared  and  the 
moon  shone  out  beautifully.  I  walked  at  least  half  a 
dozen  times  from  one  to  t'other  gate. 

22.  Couche  2&  i.  Rose  at  9.  This  unconscion- 
able sleeping  I  leave  you  to  account  for.  La  belle* 
comes  in  and  makes  my  fire  before  sunrise.  Tried  in 
vain  to  get  a  dom?;  paying  coach-hire  is  notjolie4  and 
besides  I  prefer  to  walk  about.  Snowing  and  raining 
again  this  morning  and  all  day  till  evening.  At  3 
went  over  to  Hamburg  and  found  my  way  to  Romische 
kuijser*  where  Hosack  lodges  ;  he  was  out.  Left  the 
notes  which  I  had  written,  q.  v.y  to  him  and  Robinson. 
On  my  return  called  to  see  mes  am.  d'hier.  Jeu.  est 
jo.  bru?  Home  at  8.  C/.7  took  tea  with  me  and  at  10 
a  lesson  in  English.  Omitted  :  At  1 1  took  coach  and 
went  to  Donner's  ;  he  had  just  left  home  to  visit  me, 
so  hastened  back  to  meet  him  but  failed.  Saw  two 
dames  at  his  house,  who  received  me  very  handsomely; 
but  I,  like  a  fool,  refused  to  sit,  in  the  hope  of  finding 


1  For  couchai  (je  me  couchai)  a  12  [heures]  hier  au  sair.     Retired  last  evening  at  12. 

2  For  la  belle  [flit] . 

J     For  domestique.     Domestic. 

4  Pretty,  nice. 

5  Probably  for  Gasthaus  xum   Rimischen   Kaiser.     The  name  of  a  lodging-house.     "  The 
Roman  Emperor." 

6  For  mes  amies  d'hier.      [La]  jeune  est   [une]  jolie   brunette.     To  see  my  lady  friends  of 
yesterday.     The  young  one  is  a  pretty  brunette. 

7  For  la  mademoiselle  or  la  jungfru. 

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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

mons.1  at  my  house.  Wrote  him  a  note  about  a  bill 
of  300  dollars  which  I  enclosed  to  him  to  get  payment, 
being  sans  sous.2 

23.  Couche  at  i.  Lev.  at  8.  I  did  rise  at  ^ 
p.  5  and  spent  */£  hour  in  vain  attempts  to  light  can- 
dle, so  went  to  bed  again.  Having  requested  both  to 
call  at  y2  p.  9,  which  in  this  latitude  is  very  early  ; 
neither  came.  At  1 1  sor.  to  Hamburg  to  the  Romiscbe 
Kuyser1;  Hosack  out.  To  Kuijser  Hoff"1  to  find 
Netzel ;  he  did  not  lodge  there  nor  could  I  find  where. 
Attempted  to  come  home  another  way  and  got  com- 
pletely lost ;  asked  at  least  twenty  persons,  not  one  of 
whom  could  understand  me.  At  length  found  one 
who  spoke  French  and  he  took  great  pains  to  put  me 
in  the  right  way.  Nevertheless,  got  lost  again,  but 
seeing  a  gate  through  the  ramparts  and  a  mile  beyond 
a  church,  concluded  it  must  be  another  way  to  Altona; 
on  I  went  merrily  ;  after  going  round  the  town,  found 
it  to  be  only  a  village  of  about  TOO  houses  but  could 
get  no  point  of  view  where  I  could  judge  of  the  course, 
and  beside,  the  weather  too  sombre  to  see  one  mile. 
On  return  to  that  gate  through  which  I  had  come,  met 
a  woman  who  spoke  a  few  words  of  French.  She  told 
me  that  Altona  was  far  off,  away  f  other  side  of  Ham- 
burg. Very  consoling.  Getting  into  the  city  again, 
weary  and  hungry,  stopped  at  a  pastry  shop  ;  there 
found  a  pretty  black-eyed  girl,  speaking  French 
fluently.  She  had  no  doubt  but  in  five  minutes  she 

1  For  Monsieur  [Donner].      Mr.  Donner. 

2  For  sans  [un  or  /«]  sou.     Without  a  cent. 

3  See  note  on  preceding  page. 

4  For  Kaiierhof.     Another  lodging-house. 

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Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr. 

could  find  me  a  hack  or  a  pilot.  While  she  was  look- 
ing out  at  the  door  for  this  purpose,  I  amused  myself, 
greatly  to  my  satisfaction,  with  her  cakes  and  pastry, 
and  some  hot  punch.  She  found  a  lad  to  convoy  me. 
Paid  for  my  repast  18  sch.,  and  5  sch.  to  the  boy, 
whom  I  dismissed  at  the  gate,  recognizing  it  to  be  that 
at  which  I  had  come.  Being  refreshed  by  my  repast  and 
by  the  discovery  of  my  way  home,  roved  about  within 
limits  of  which  I  was  sure.  At  stationer's  bought 
quire  paper  for  1 8  sch.  of  which  this  is  part.  Passing 
through  the  gate  met  a  very  ta.  emb.  bi.  tour.  bio.  sui. 

Mar.  M ;    i  %   r.  d.     Pesan.  rob.  veu.  (fun  of. 

Peut  26.  Tres  cont.1  Home  at  5.  Robinson  had 
been  here  and  left  me  a  note.  The  young  rascal  staid 

an  hour,  courting  my .   Not  a  word  of  Hosack. 

^uod  mir.1  Took  no  further  dinner.  Mr.  Donner's 
servant  with  a  verbal  message  to  know  whether  I  was 
engaged  for  dinner  on  Monday  (certainly  not),  and  to 
say  that  he  would  call  at  7  this  evening  if  cbez  mot. 
Yes.  He  did  call.  Sat  an  hour  and  amused  me 
much.  A  very  curious  anecdote  of  Constantine  at 
Erfurt.  Something  of  the  King  of  Saxony.  Opinion 
about  the  late  Swedish  revolution  ;  about  the  French. 

Now  I  must  tell  you  a  great   secret.     Ma J  has 

a  lover  whom  she  has  promised  to  marry.  Herself 
told  me  the  day  after  my  arrival,  and  yesterday  evening 
presented  him  to  me.  It  is  really  a  young  man  of 


I  An  excellent  specimen  of  the  Burr  enigma.  Probably  for  tall,  embonpoint,  bien  tournee, 
blonde.  [Je  la]  suivii.  Mariie.  Muse;  1%  fix  dollars.  Pesante,  robuste.  Veuve  (Tun 
officier.  Peut-etre  26.  Tris  content.  Tall,  plump,  well-turned  blonde.  I  followed.  Married. 
Muse;  i%  rix  dollars.  Heavy,  robust.  Widow  of  an  officer.  Perhaps  26.  Well  satisfied. 

4     For  quod  mirum.     How  strange  ! 

j     For  ma  [belle  J.].     The  girl  to  whom  he  gave  English  lessons. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

prepossessing  appearance,  about  22  ;  (she  is  25).  He 
is  a  merchant  of  genteel  manners,  and  speaking  French. 
I  have  pronounced  in  his  favour,  which  I  suspect  he 
has  heard,  for  this  evening  he  has  been  extremely 
attentive  to  me.  Would  himself  bring  anything  I 
asked  for.  Both  together,  they  brought  the  tea,  and 
I  invited  them  to  take  a  dish  with  me.  It  is  luxury 
to  see  people  happy.  He  goes  home  at  10,  and  then 

"  came  to  take  an  English  lesson.     A  very  apt 

scholar.     Plein  d'  es-prif.     Eon  soir. 

24.  Couche  at  i.  Lev.  at  8.  Took  hack  at  10 
to  go  to  Hamburg.  To  Robinson  at  the  Keyser 
hoff1.  I  find  that,  among  the  great  number  of  Amer- 
icans here  and  there,  all  are  hostile  to  A.  B. — all. 
What  a  lot  of  rascals  they  must  be  to  make  war  on 
one  whom  they  do  not  know  ;  on  one  who  never  did 
harm  or  wished  harm  to  a  human  being.  Yet  they, 
perhaps,  ought  not  to  be  blamed,  for  they  are 
influenced  by  what  they  hear.  I  learn  further  that  A. 
B.  is  announced  in  the  Paris  papers  in  a  manner  no 
way  auspicious.  Further,  my  small  stock  of  money 
was  in  a  bill  drawn  on  a  house  in  Hamburg.  This 
bill  was  remitted  to  Mr.  F.,  who,  being  absent,  his 
friend  and  agent  got  the  bill  and  the  money,  and  "  as 
he  does  not  know  but  the  money  may  belong  to  Mr. 
F.,"  refuses  to  pay  it  without  his  orders  !  A  very 
pretty  mess  this  for  one  day.  Went  to  Netzel's. 
You  may  recollect  that  I  desired  Hauterive  to  trans- 


i     Janina. 

Z     For  fleine  d* esprit.     Full  of  intelligence. 

3     Note  Burr's  attempts  to  spell  these  German  names.     (Kaistrhof.) 


274 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

mit  his  answers  to  this  gentleman.  He  had  no  letter 
for  me.  Resolved  then  to  go  direct  to  the  French 
Minister  to  see  if  he  had  any  orders  to  give  or  refuse 
me  passports.  Sent  in  my  name,  but  did  not  get  out 
of  my  carriage.  After  some  minutes  the  servant 
returned,  saying  his  Excellency  was  then  very  much 
engaged,  but  would  be  glad  to  see  me  at  3  o'clock. 
Went  to  Hosack's  quarters,  Romiscbe  Keyser1,  to 
lounge  till  3,  then  again  to  the  Minister's.  Another 
apology  that  he  was  still  much  engaged,  but  begged 
that  I  would  call  to-morrow  at  12.  Went  to 
Hosack's  to  dine  with  him,  dismissed  my  carriage  and 
after  dinner  walked  home.  Forgot  to  say  that  I  went 
to  see  Liining's  friend,  Brauer,  who  received  me  very 
kindly,  and  asked  me  to  a  supper  and  party  on 
Monday,  which  declined,  being  engaged  to  dine  that 
day  with  Donner.  Did  not  present  Liining's  bill  on 
Brauer,  being  still  doubtful  about  that.  Learned  also 

to-day  that  the threaten  everything,  and  are 

taking  measures  against  the  peace  and  dignity  of  our 
sovereign  self.  Intended  to  have  written  many  letters 
to-night  to  the  United  States.  Davis  sails  to-morrow, 
and  such  another  opportunity  may  never  offer.  But 
in  this  state  of  things,  what  can  I  write?  To  be  silent 
as  to  my  intended  movements  would  be  strange,  and 
to  tell  the  true  state  of  things  afflicting  to  my  friends. 
So  I  will  leave  you  all  to  your  own  conjectures.  My 
bel.  Jan.1  came  up  and  took  tea  with  me  and  had  then 


I     See  Note  5,  page  471. 

a     Probably  for  my  (ma)  belle  Janina.     This  is  the  Swedish  and  Danish  form  of  Joan,  Jeanne, 
Jennie,  etc. 

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Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

an  hour  of  English  lesson.     She  makes  great  progress 
and  amuses  me. 

25.  Couche  at  i.  Rose  at  8.  Slept  very  sound  ; 
ate  a  great  breakfast  which  little  J.  got  me  ;  very  good. 
Found  myself,  however,  in  bad  humor.  To  aid  this, 
waited  a  full  hour  for  my  razors  which  had  given  the 
barber  to  sharpen,  the  carriage  all  the  while  at  the 
door.  At  length  set  off  to  go  to  Hamburg  and  there 
shave,  but  met  the  rascal  on  the  stairs,  so  came  back 
and  shaved.  First  to  Hosack's,  where  found  a  letter 
from  Liming  telling  me  of  the  prosperous  state  of  his 
business.  One  from  Graves,  full  of  goodness.  One 
from  S.  Sw.1,  containing  a  long  bill  of  untoward 
circumstances  regarding  himself.  The  letter,  however, 
does  great  honour  to  his  head  and  heart.  L.'s  letter 
determined  me  to  make  use  of  his  draft,  especially  as 
there  was  no  prospect  of  getting  my  own  money,  and 
I  am  penniless.  Hosack  had  just  got  up,  and,  of 
course,  had  not  made  further  inquiries  on  this  or  the 
other  more  interesting  matter.  At  12  to  the  Minis- 
ter's ;  was  at  once  received.  He  is  the  transcript  of 
our  J.  B.z  only  fifteen  years  older ;  but  marked  with 
the  same  characters.  His  reception  was  courteous, 
but  with  a  mixture  of  surprise  and  curiosity.  At 
once  offered  me  a  passport  to  any  frontier  town,  but 
has  no  authority  to  do  more.  Passports  to  go  to 
Paris  must  come  from  Paris,  and  to  that  end  I  must 
write,  &c.  He  advises  that  I  direct  the  reply  to  be 
transmitted  to  Mayence,  where  it  will  be  before  I  get 


I     Samuel  Swartwout. 
z     Perhaps  J.  B.  Prcvost. 


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Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

there.  At  parting  he  apologized  for  the  delays  of 
yesterday,  and  asked  me  to  dine  at  his  country-house 
three  miles  from  Altona,  to-morrow  ;  agreed1.  Home 
in  my  carriage  and  paid  6  marks  (2  dollars  courant]. 
Dined  in  my  room,  J.  attending  me.  Sent  word  to 
Mon.z  Donner  that,  if  he  would  be  at  home,  I  would 
call  to  pass  the  evening.  He  is  engaged  out.  After 
dinner,  walked  to  Hamburg  to  see  what  news  Hosack 
had  got  for  me.  He  was  abroad  dining,  but  left  a 
note  and  a  sack  of  money,  the  proceeds  of  the  bill, 
200  dollars.  In  the  morning  I  had  called  again  on 
Brauer,  presented  the  bill  of  Liining,  and  got  the  1,000 
marks,  so  I  am  at  this  moment  rich.  Left  the  sacks 
at  Hosack's  and  walked  home,  i.  e.y  strolled  about 
Hamburg  for  two  hours,  doing  twenty  foolish  things, 
and  spending  2  dollars,  but  no  mus?  Took  care, 
however,  this  time  to  reserve  enough  to  get  through 
the  gates.  Compag.  de  voyage  whom  I  saw  home  and 
was  introduced  to  son  mar* !  Home  at  9.  Took  tea. 

I  This  Minister  was  Louis  Antoine  Favelet  de  Bourrienne,  (1769-1854).  He  had  been 
private  secretary  of  Napoleon  I.,  was  now  Minister  Plenipotentiary  in  Hamburg,  and  later  served 
as  Minister  of  State  under  Louis  XVIII.  He  wrote  the  "  Memoirs  of  Napoleon  "  and  therein 
gave  the  following  exceedingly  interesting  account  of  this  visit  of  Burr's  and  his  application  for 
a  passport :  "  At  the  height  of  his  glory  and  power,  Bonaparte  was  so  suspicious  that  the 
veriest  trifle  sufficed  to  alarm  him.  I  recollect  that  about  the  time  the  complaints  were  made 
respecting  the  Minerva  [newspaper],  Colonel  Burr,  formerly  Vice-President  of  the  United 
States,  who  had  recently  arrived  at  Altona,  was  pointed  out  to  me  as  a  dangerous  man,  and  I 
received  orders  to  watch  him  very  closely,  and  to  arrest  him  on  the  slightest  ground  of  suspicion 
if  he  should  come  to  Hamburg.  Colonel  Burr  was  one  of  those  in  favor  of  whom  I  ventured  to 
disobey  the  orders  I  received  from  the  restless  police  of  Paris.  As  soon  as  the  Minister  of  Police 
heard  of  his  arrival  at  Altona,  he  directed  me  to  adopt  towards  him  those  violent  measures  which 
are  equivalent  to  persecution.  In  answer  to  these  instructions,  I  stated  that  Colonel  Burr  con- 
ducted himself  at  Altona  with  much  prudence  and  propriety  ;  that  he  kept  but  little  company,  and 
he  was  scarcely  spoken  of.  Far  from  regarding  him  as  a  man  who  required  watching,  having 
learned  that  he  wished  to  go  to  Paris,  I  caused  a  passport  to  be  procured  for  him,  which  he 
was  to  receive  at  Frankfort ;  and  I  never  heard  that  this  dangerous  citizen  had  compromised  the 
safety  of  the  state  in  any  way." 

z     For  Monsieur. 

J    .For  muse. 

4  Traveling  female  partner  (ctmpagne  de  voyage)  whom  I  saw  home  and  was  introduced  to 
her  husband  (ion  mart).  Comfag.  may  stand  for  comfagnon  and  son  may  be  an  error  for  sa. 
In  ;'  at  case  Burr  must  have  gone  home  with  a  man  whom  he  met  and  have  been  introduced  to  his 
wife  (sa  mariit). 

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Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Lounged  till  2  ;  and  now,  while  the  watchmen  are 
shaking  their  rattles,  I  bid  you  bon  soir.  Mist  and 
fog,  with  some  rain  and  snow  all  day. 

26.  Rose  at  9.  Though  the  day  has  not  been 
cold,  and  I  doubt  whether  there  was  frost  last  night, 
yet  I  feltfrileuse1,  and,  for  the  first  time,  put  on  my 
flannel  waistcoat.  You  recollect  that  I  traveled  from 
Stockholm  to  Gothenburg,  day  and  night  (all  night), 
finding  half  an  inch  thickness  of  ice  in  the  morning, 
obstinately  refusing  to  put  on  this  waistcoat.  Now  I 
am  condemned  to  it  for  the  winter.  Sent  word  to 
Donner  that  I  would  call  on  him  at  n.  He  was 
going  out,  and  would  call  on  me.  He  called  about 
1 1 .  Sat  near  an  hour,  amusing  me  very  much.  At  5 

to  Mons. ,  le  Ministre  de  France.     Y :  General 

;   Mons.  Thierry,  and  three  others.     Madame 

et  cinq  dem  s  dont  V  ainee  se  dit  i<ft  finely  grown  for  that 
age  and  a  very  interesting  girl ;  sweetness  and  intelli- 
gence prettily  blended;  blonde  igrande,  bien  f ait  e*.  The 
other  four  also  pretty ;  la  cadette  in  costume  [of  a] 
boy.  Mons.  occupies  a  very  handsome  house  on  the 
Elbe  about  three  miles  below  Altona,  for  which  he 
pais4  1,000  dollars  per  annum.  Madame  sa  fern,  is 
from  Leipzig  et  par.  bien  aim.3;  a  very  handsome 
young  man  there  partic.  attent.6  Thierry  made  me 
many  civilities.  "The  History  of  Pitcairn,"  of  whom 

I      Foifrileux.     Chilly. 

i     Madame   and   five   girls  (demoiselles),  the  eldest  (/'afn«)  of  whom  calls  herself  (or  is  said 
to  be)  14. 

3  Blonde,  tall,  well  made. 

4  So  in  the  MS. 

5  For  farait  bien  aimable.     Appears  very  amiable. 

6  May  be  English,  particularly  attentive,  or  French  farticuliirement  attentif,  with  the  same 
meaning. 

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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

everyone  speaks  well.  Bien  ri.1  Home  at  9.  Ayant 
assez  bu?  Ma  J.  amused  me  for  an  hour. 

27.  Coucbe  i.  Rose  9.  You  have  not  yet  been 
informed,  at  least  by  me,  that  Altona  and  Hamburg 
are  on  the  same  plain,  on  the  north  side  of  the  Elbe. 
The  territory  of  Hamburg  extends  to  the  very  gates 
of  Altona.  Hamburg  is  fortified.  An  immense 
ditch  and  parapet.  Altona  not.  The  gates  of  Ham- 
burg and  Altona  are  about  one-third  of  an  English 
mile  apart.  A  beautiful  walk  through  rows  of  trees, 
and  on  the  left,  going  to  Hamburg,  a  wood  nearly 
half  way.  The  plain  between  the  two  towns  belongs 
to  Hamburg,  and  the  senate  do  not  suffer  any  houses. 
A  few,  however,  have  formerly  been  allowed  on  the 
side  nearest  Altona.  The  city  of  Hamburg  is  esti- 
mated to  contain  100,000  inhabitants,  the  territory 
about  35,000  more.  Altona  contains  about  27,000. 

It  is  in  Holstein  now,  and  for years  past,  part 

of  Denmark.  German  is  the  language  of  Holstein 
and  of  Schleswig  as  well  as  of  Hamburg.  Altona  is 
below  Hamburg,  on  the  Elbe.  The  contribution 
paid  by  Hamburg  to  the  French  the  last  three  years  is 
about  23,000,000  of  marks  (3  marks  to  a  dollar). 
This  is  exclusive  of  the  maintenance  of  the  troops  who 
have  assisted  the  Hamburgers  to  govern  themselves. 
Now  to  ourselves.  At  5  to  dine  with  Donner.  A 
male  party  of  about  fifteen,  extremely  well  composed. 
De  Blucher,  General  Waltershoff,  Lawaetz,  Schoenen, 
Dr. .  Every  dish  is  carved  at  the  sideboard, 


I     For  bien  riche.     Very  rich. 

2.     Having  drunk  enough,  /.  <•.,  quite  a  bit. 


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Private     J  ourn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr. 

and  handed  round  by  a  servant,  a  la  Soedoise.  Some- 
times a  portion  is  brought  you  on  a  plate.  Wine  of 
different  sorts  on  table,  and  every  one  drinks  as  he 
pleases.  Now  and  then  one  -pledges  another.  After 
dinner,  which  lasted  at  least  two  hours,  all  rise 
together,  bow,  and  make  compliments.  The  lady  is 
handed  out,  and  all  return  to  the  drawing  room,  where 
coffee  is  immediately  served.  About  an  hour  after 
coffee,  tea  was  served  in  the  same  manner.  One 
retires  without  taking  leave.  Mons.  B.  proposed 
cards,  which  I  declined.  Off  at  t/2  p.  8.  The  mode 
of  entertaining  is  easy,  and  everything  was  in  very 
handsome  style.  Madame  is  a  very  lovely  little 
woman ;  fair,  with  very  black  hair,  with  blue  eyes. 
Has  three  small  children,  whom  I  did  not  see. 
Lawaetz,  Conseil  d'Etaf,  engages  me  to  dine  with  him 
to-morrow.  I  had  not  been  at  home  this  evening  y2 
hour  before  I  was  seized  with  a  tormenting  toothache. 
This  comes  of  putting  on  a  flannel  waistcoat !  Being 
an  under-tooth,  and  hollow,  I  thought  of  my  old 
remedy,  camphor  and  opium,  and  have  crammed  it 
full,  which  has  relieved  me  so  far  as  to  allow  me  to 
write  this,  but  still  growling. 

28.  Have  had  a  most  uncomfortable  night. 
Swallowed  of  the  opium  enough  to  stupify  and  sicken 
me.  The  toothache  returned  and  thus  I  passed  the 
night,  sleepless.  About  7  got  asleep,  and  slept  till  1 1. 
Swallowed  the  juice  of  three  lemons,  and  afterward 
took  a  dish  of  coffee,  but  ate  nothing.  At  2  walked 


I      For  Conseilhr  d' Etat.     State  Councilor. 

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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

an  hour,  but  found  no  relief  either  from  the  stupor  or 
the  pain.  Smoking  increases  it ;  however,  dressed  for 
dinner,  and  at  ^  p.  4  went  in  a  hack.  M.  Lawaetz's 
residence  is  about  one  English  mile  below  the  town, 
beautifully  situated  on  the  Elbe.  The  house  is  large, 
distributed,  and  finished  in  very  handsome  taste.  The 
house  is  not  more  than  150  yards  from  the  road  in  a 
direct  line,  but  you  are  taken  round  a  pretty  circular 
or  winding  road,  through  trees  and  shrubs,  &c.,  several 
hundred  yards.  On  our  return  this  was  lighted  by 
lamps  hung  in  the  trees  and  bushes.  There  must  have 
been  near  100  lamps.  It  was  again  a  male  party  of 
about  twenty.  De  Blucher,  chamberlain  and  premier 
president1,  and  le  General  Waltershoff  among  the 
guests.  Also,  the  amiable  young  Donner.  In  short, 
the  grandees  of  the  country.  Our  host  a  very 
sprightly,  intelligent  man,  d'un  certain  age1,  Madame 
just  such  a  wife  as  he  ought  to  have.  Both  noted  for 
their  benevolence  and  goodness.  Among  the  guests 

several  learned  men ;    the  Dr. ,  whom  I  shall 

ever  be  glad  to  see.  I  was,  unfortunately,  in  bad 
order.  The  toothache,  though  not  violent,  was  felt, 
and  the  stupor  and  nausea  of  the  opium  remained. 
Stole  off  at  8.  The  form  of  the  entertainment  was  as 
yesterday,  but  in  more  splendor.  The  rooms  are  all 
warmed  by  stoves ;  but  these  stoves  are  often  a  very 
elegant  and  costly  piece  of  furniture.  Pillars,  urns, 
statues  bronzed^  and  many  whimsical  and  pretty  forms 
of  iron,  sometimes  bronzed  or  of  porcelain.  They 


1  First  President. 

2  An  elderly  gentleman,  (age). 

28l 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

put  something  about  the  stove,  I  believe  frankincense, 
which  gave  a  charming  perfume  to  the  air.  In  the 
country  (Holstein)  a  similar  effect  is  produced  by  a 
preparation  of  dried  rose-leaves  and  other  fragrant 
herbs.  Mons.  L.  is  immensely  rich,  and  has  no 
children.  Before  I  had  been  half  an  hour  home  the 
toothache  returned  with  all  its  violence.  I  resolved 
to  have  it  out  early  in  the  morning ;  but  how  to  get 
through  the  night  was  the  first  question.  The  applica- 
tion of  pepper  and  brandy  occurred  to  me.  I  applied 
it,  and  was  relieved  in  ten  minutes  ;  but  still  there  is  a 
growling  and  menacing  which  alarms  me.  The  opium, 
too,  has  brought  on  a  headache.  It  can  be  only  that, 
for  I  did  not  eat  two  ounces,  nor  drink  a  single  glass 
of  wine,  though  there  was  a  luxurious  dinner,  and 
wines  of  a  great  variety.  Among  them  champagne 
and  Burgundy.  Bon  soir. 

29.  It  was  just  as  I  feared.  The  toothache 
returned  and  kept  me  in  misery  all  night.  Towards 
morning  I  got  some  sleep  and  lay  till  10.  Headache; 
no  appetite.  Off  to  Hamburg  with  my  valet  (whom 
I  forgot  to  introduce  to  you,  and  now  have  no  time) 
to  hunt  a  dentist.  He  recommended  to  me  Mons. 

,  from  Paris,  as   le  plus  celebre  et  le  meilleur1. 

Before  we  got  out  of  the  Altona  gate  the  pain  left  me, 
and,  as  the  tooth  is  the  most  important  one  of  the  few 
I  have  left,  postponed  my  visit  to  Mons.*,  and  went 
first  to  Robinson's ;  out.  Thence  to  de  Chapeau- 
rouge,  for  whom  I  have  a  letter  of  introduction  from 


I      The  most  famous  (cilebre)  and  the  best. 
2.     For  Monsieur. 


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Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Achaud.  At  his  country  seat,  but  will  be  home 
to-morrow  from  10  to  12.  To  L.  Menard's,  for  whom 
also  a  letter  from  Achaud.  He  received  me  very 
courteously,  and  tendered  me  all  manner  of  civilities. 
This  was  unexpected,  for  he  could  not  hope  to  make 
money  out  of  me.  He  is  a  man  of  very  pleasing 
manners  and  appearance.  Ma  J.  has  been  up,  and 
interrupted  me  very  pleasantly  for  more  than  an  hour. 
It  is  now  y2  p.  12,  therefore,  philosophically  speaking, 
Thursday  morning.  But  to  go  on  with  my  story. 
Mons.  M.  is  a  merchant  of  high  standing,  appearing 
about  36,  of  an  open,  frank,  cheerful  physiognomy. 
"  Why  did  you  not  deliver  these  letters  on  your  first 
arrival?  "  Why,  Madame,  in  the  first  place,  I  have  a 
very  great  aversion  to  letters  of  introduction,  having 
everywhere  found  acquaintances,  made  accidentally, 
the  most  agreeable  and  permanent,  obviously  because 
they  are  made  from  sympathy  ;  second,  M'lle  M. 
Wollstonecraft,  and  some  other  books,  had  given  me 
a  prejudice  against  Hamburg  negotiations.  I  will 
never  again  believe  in  anything  I  read  in  a  book 
(excepting  Jeremy  Bentham's) ;  third,  that  matter  of 
M.  gave  me  some  little  disgust  for  Hamburg ;  fourth, 
the  two  letters  of  Achaud  to  Sweden,  you  remember, 
never  paid  the  customary  rate  of  postage.  Four  such 
good  reasons  must,  I  am  sure,  have  satisfied  you. 
"  Yes,  but  why,  in  spite  of  all  these  reasons,  did  you 
deliver  them  now  ?  "  From  a  certain  whim,  which  I 
will  whisper  to  you,  but  dare  not  write.  (Do  remind 
me  to  tell  you  how  contraband  trade  is  carried  on  here.) 

283 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

On  my  return  from  town  I  saw  about  twenty  poor 
women  and  girls  under  guard.  From  Menard's  to 
the  French  Minister's.  My  valet  gave  my  name  to 
the  porter  of  his  Excellency,  and  after  waiting  several 
minutes  in  the  corridor,  received  answer  that  he  was 
engaged  and  could  not  see  me.  No  appointment  of 
any  other  hour,  which  I  thought  odd.  Sent  back 
Monsieur  Francois  with  -my  card,  requesting  to  know 
when  he  would  be  visible,  and  walked  off.  Immedi- 
ately the  Minister's  valet  came  running  after  me, 
asking  me  to  walk  in.  It  seems  that  a  name  totally 
unlike  mine  had  come  to  his  ears  through  the  mouths 
of  two  servants.  He  received  me  as  might  have  been 
expected  from  his  former  civilities.  Gave  me  a  pass- 
port, and,  hearing  that  I  was  to  stay  two  or  three  days 
longer,  contrary  to  what  I  had  told  him,  gave  a  general 
invitation  to  his  house  ;  engaged  to  dine  with  him 
to-morrow.  Thence  to  see  Hosack ;  out.  Made 
Francois  take  up  my  sack  of  money.  Thence  to  the 
Apollo  (something,  I  will  learn  what)1.  It  is  a  build- 
ing containing  concert  and  ball  rooms  in  very  hand- 
some style.  The  concert-room  circular,  about  ninety 
feet  diameter ;  vaulted  and  no  pillars.  Home  by  4 
o'clock,  having  been  out  five  hours,  walking  the  whole 
time  except  about  thirty  minutes.  The  headache  came 
on  about  i,  and  increased  continually.  That  infernal 
opium  yet !  Found  the  card  of  the  President  de  Blu- 
cher,  which  reminds  me  of  a  part  of  the  employment 

I     Salon  d'Apollon.     Apollo's  drawing-room. 

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Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

of  the  day  which  has  been  omitted  ;  and,  to  explain,  I 
must  go  back  to  yesterday.  Sitting  near  General  W., 
either  yesterday  or  Monday,  I  intimated  that  I  should 
be  very  gratified  to  be  present  at  one  of  President 
Blucher's  courts.  He  (the  General),  without  any 
orders  or  knowledge,  mentioned  it  to  the  President ; 
and  when  we  met  again  at  Lawaetz's,  the  General  told 
me  that  he  was  authorized  from  the  President  to  say 
that  it  would  afford  him  [pleasure]  to  receive  me  at 
his  court  the  next  audience  day  (this  day).  So  this 
morning,  when  I  got  to  the  gate  and  found  the  tooth- 
ache missing,  my  engagement  with  la  Haute  Chancel- 
larie1  came  to  my  mind,  and  we  turned  short  about  to 
go  to  the  audience  chamber,  which  is  at  the  other  end 
of  the  town.  On  the  way,  called  on  Donner  to  ask 
some  renseignments*  as  to  how  to  get  in,  and  to  place 
myself,  &c.  Mr.  D.  was  in  his  comtoir1  and  would 
come  forthwith.  Madame  received  me.  I  made  her 
produce  her  children,  a  girl  and  a  boy,  about  5  and  3. 
It  is  impossible  to  imagine  anything  more  lovely  than 
they  are  both.  I  was  quite  enraptured  with  them. 
Then  came  in  the  younger  Donner,  and,  finally, 
Mons.  Donner.  By  the  time  all  this  had  passed  it 
was  yz  p.  ii,  and  too  late  for  the  court.  Mr.  D., 
therefore,  proposed  to  show  me  their  museum  ;  but  I 
took  for  this  purpose  the  younger  Donner,  and  on  the 
way  left  my  card  at  the  President's  house,  and  thus  you 
account  for  the  card  returned  this  evening.  The 
museum  is  a  building  of  no  show,  but  replete  with 

l     La  Haute  Chancellerie.     The  Court  of  High  Chancery. 
4     For  rtnsfignementj.     Information. 
3     For  comftoir.     Counting-house. 

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convenience.  It  is  maintained  by  an  association  of  the 
principal  gentlemen  of  the  town,  who  pay  about  16 
dollars  each  a  year.  The  principal  gazettes  in  Europe 
are  taken,  and  new  publications  and  maps.  There  are 
reading-rooms,  conversation-rooms,  card-rooms.  A 
very  convenient  ball-room,  with  parlours  and  closets, 
and  smoking-rooms.  Also  a  very  spacious  and  well- 
laid  out  garden.  The  associates  meet  two  evenings  in 
the  week.  Once  to  sup,  and  once  for  conversation, 
&c.  Balls,  I  forget  how  often  in  the  season.  The 
rooms  always  open  to  the  associates,  and  to  any 
stranger  introduced  by  a  member,  as  now  am  I. 
Two  o'clock  is  rattling,  and  I  must  be  up  at  7.  You 
see  that  my  aches  are  all  cured ;  how,  you  shall  hear 
to-morrow. 

30.  Had  ordered  Francois  to  be  here  at  */£  p.  7. 
He  came,  and  I  rose.  Dressed  by  candle.  A  very 
thick,  chilling  fog.  Sor.  at  10  to  Robinson's  ;  set- 
tled accounts  with  him,  and  received  a  balance  due  me 
from  him  and  Hosack  of  45  dollars.  (Note  the 
etymology  of  Whaler  Reicbs thaler1.}  To  de  Netzel's  ; 
he  has  no  letters  for  me.  To  Hosack's  ;  engaged 
Hosack  and  Robinson  to  breakfast  with  me  to-mor- 
row. To  the  dentist's  ;  he  thinks  he  can  preserve  the 
tooth  for  me,  but  the  inflammation  must  subside  before 
he  can  do  anything.  Home  at  2.  Found  card  from 
Menard,  and  invitation  to  dine  Monday,  December 
4th ;  declined,  being  engaged.  "  Where  am  I 
engaged  ?  "  Why,  to  go  out  of  town,  to  be  sure. 

I      Reichst'haler    (German)    and    rigsdaler    (Danish)    and    riksdaler    (Swedish)  all   mean  rix 
dollar,  or  imperial  dollar. 

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Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

What  the  dsvil  do  I  stay  here  for  ?  Did  not  call 
to-day  on  de  Chapeaurouge  ;  determined  not  to  deliver 
the  letter  for  all  the  reasons  mentioned  yesterday.  At 
5  to  the  French  Minister's.  He  did  not  return  from 

town  till  6.     T:     General  Damasque,  General 

de  Westphalie,  Commandant  en  Hamburg,  the  maitre  de 
•posies^  le  jeu.  daug.,  deux  autrs1.  "C'ert  dom.  que  le  roy  e 
de  West  a  est  si  petit."  "Mais  $a  aggrandira.  En  y 
aj  out  ant  the  territ's  of  Hoist.,  Hamb.,  et  Lubec  /'/  serait 
beau."1  M'lle  Emilie  rainee  est  toujours  plus  jolie  et 
interessante*.  Off  at  ^  p.  7.  To  Donner's  to  sup. 
T:  Schoenbron  et  Dr.  Momson  le  bon  homme  quefaime 
tant*.  Madame  came  in  at  y%  p.  9,  having  been  at  the 
play.  Soup.5  at  10.  Oysters  served  raw  in  the  shell. 
The  best  I  had  tasted  on  this  side  the  Atlantic.  Then 
a  supper  in  form  of  meats,  fowl,  and  dessert.  A  very 
pleasant  evening.  Home  at  12.  Ma  J.  m  attendaif; 

y%  h.  av.  I.7  et .     Eon  soir. 

Altona,  December  i,  1809.  Couched  i.  Lev. 
at  y2  p.  7,  at  which  hour  one  must  light  candle.  At 
y^,  p.  9  came  Hosack  to  breakfast.  Gran  dejeune 
aprez  le  caffe  et  toast  et  sausage8.  Wine,  cakes,  eau 
de  vie9.  Two  bottles  wine  !  Being  sunshine  for  the 
second  time  since  our  advent,  invited  them  to  walk 


1  The  postmaster  (maitre  de  paste),  the    young  (lajeune)  daughter,  and  two  others  (autres). 

2  "  It  is  too  bad  (  Cest  dommage)  that  the  Kingdom    (royaume)    of  Westphalia  is  so  small." 
"But   that'll   grow    (s'agrandira).     By  adding  to  it  the  territories  of  Holstein,  Hamburg,  and 
Liibeck  it  would  be  handsome." 

}     Miss    Emily   the   eldest    (rainee)    is   always   prettier   and   prettier,  and    more  and  more 
interesting. 

4  The  good  fellow  that  I  love  so  much. 

5  For  souper. 

6  My  J.  was  awaiting  me. 

7  For  %  heure  avec  lui  (or  elle).     A  half  hour  with  her.     If/,  is  for  lui  it  is  an  error. 

8  for  grand  dejeune  apris  le  cafe  et  toast  et  sausage.       Fine  big    breakfast  after  coffee,  toast, 
and  sausage. 

9  Brandy. 


287 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

out  to  see  Lawaetz's  house  and  garden.  Incidents  of 
the  day  :  Lawaetz  not  at  home  ;  but  walked  over  the 
gardens  and  the  rooms  which  were  open  in  the  house. 
The  bank  appears  to  be  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet 
above  the  level  of  the  river,  and  the  view,  as  well  from 
this  garden  as  from  many  points  on  the  road,  is  exten- 
sive and  beautiful.  There  are  still  many  vessels 
sailing  up  and  down.  A  few  years  ago  many,  many 
more.  Met  General  Waltershoff  and  family.  Chez 
nous  at  i.  Walked  to  Hamburg  with  H.  and  R. 
Separate  at  the  gate.  To  the  French  Minister's,  to 
see  the  mosaic  work,  which  is  truly  wonderful.  I  am 
incredulous  even  when  I  touch  it,  that  all  this  fine 
effect  is  produced  by  stones  and  the  natural  colour  of 
stones.  Many  civil  words.  To  de  Netzel,  who 
offers  me  a  letter  to  Cassel.  To  hunt  bijoux1;  3  rix 
dollars,  en  do.  pr.  Jea^  Roved  with  Francois  as  my 
guide,  and  home  at  7  sans  accident.  Tea  and  Jea. 
filled  up  the  evening.  This  morning  called  on  Dr. 
Momson,  both  going  and  returning  from  Lawaetz's, 
but  out.  Had  this  morning  a  note  from  de  Chapeau- 
rouge,  enclosing  letter  from  Achaud,  and  asking  me 
to  dinner  to-morrow  ;  agreed. 

2.  Coucbe  at  i.  Rose  at  9.  At  n  to  Dr. 
Momson's.  He  gave  line  of  introduction  to  Madame 
Sieveken,  of  Hamburg.  Walked  with  him  to  see 
Schoenbron ;  out.  To  Donner's.  T:  his  sister,  a 
very  interesting  brunte,jo.;  taille  legere*.  Headache; 


i     Jewels,  trinkets. 

l     Put  3  rix  dollars  into  ditto,  (»'.  «.,the  aforesaid  trinkets),  for  Jeanne. 

3     For    brunette,  jolie ;     faille   legire.     A  very  interesting  and   pretty  brunette   of  a   slight 
figure. 

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Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

also  la  soc.  de  Madame  D.1  Home  at  i.  Thence  to 
Hamburg  to  see  Madame  Sieveken.  Received  with 
great  politeness.  It  is  a  lady  of  very  prepossessing 
appearance.  About  50,  but  exceedingly  well  preserved. 
Still  handsome,  mild,  intelligent,  dignified.  L'amie  de 
Bollman,  of  whom  we  talked  much.  Engaged  me  to 
dine  to-morrow.  Hunt  bijoux  an  hour  and  at  y2  p.  4 
to  de  Chapeaurouge's  to  dine.  T:  Menard  et  ux.y  a 
very  amiable,  cheerful,  well-bred  woman,  who  has 
traveled  over  France  and  England.  In  all,  about 
twenty-two,  of  whom  five  were  women.  Madame  d'C., 
a  small,  ladylike  woman.  Mr.  d'C.  offered  letters  and 
other  civilities.  Dinner  and  wines  good.  A  house 
superbly  fitted  up,  and  the  company  cheerful.  Off  at 
y2  p.  8.  It  is  a  custom  I  do  not  much  approve,  that 
the  guests  give  to  the  servants  about  a  mark  or  more. 
To  Hosack's  ;  he  and  R.  had  gone  to  the  concert. 
Home  at  9.  Francois  showed  his  address  when  I 
came  down  from  dinner ;  the  servant  called  for  my 
carriage.  F.  said  it  was  not  at  the  door,  but  waiting 
at  a  house  just  by,  where  I  was  going !  J.  and  I 
agreed  to  drink  a  bottle  of  champagne,  which  we  did, 
and  sat  till  yz  p.  12. 

3.  Coucbe  at  2,  having  had  a  rendezvous  which 
failed.  Lev.  at  10.  Tooth  and  jaws  plaguing  me 
again.  On  Saturday  (yesterday)  Mr.  Jacobsen,  an 
advocate  of  great  eminence,  called  on  me  and  introduced 
himself.  Having  heard  from  President  Blucher  that 
I  was  inquiring  into  the  laws  and  judicial  proceedings 


I     Had   headache ;    also   the  society   (la   lociiti)    of  Madame    D. 

289 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

of  this  country,  he  came  to  offer  his  services,  &c.;  so 
this  morning  went  to  return  his  visit  and  to  have  a 
talk.  He  has  a  very  neat,  pretty  little  house  and 
large  garden  in  the  Pal  Maille1.  Sat  an  hour. 
Thence  home.  At  3  to  Hambro1.  Called  on  Hosack; 
thence  at  4  to  Madame  Sieveken's.  There  were  about 
fifteen,  /.  e.y  eight  and  seven.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Poole,  a 
very  sensible  couple ;  Professor  Ebeling ;  Professor 
Rimarius,  father  of  Madame  S.;  de  Netzel ;  three  or 
four  sons  of  Madame  S.,  very  handsome,  and  a  daugh- 
ter who  will  not  survive  six  months.  There  were 
several  other  men  of  learning.  I  never  saw  a  party 
more  chearfuP.  I  had  dismissed  Francis4  for  the 
evening,  and  at  8  walked  off  alone  to  Altona,  and 
quite  to  the  lower  end  of  the  town  to  Jacobsen's,  who 
had  invited  me  to  sup.  Met  about  a  dozen,  equally 
mixed.  Madame  is  handsome  and  pleasing.  Her 
elder  sister  also  handsome ;  somberness ;  d'un  caract. 
plus  decidie*.  Two  sets  were  at  cards.  I  talked  law 
with  Mr.  J.  Played  chess  with  Madame,  who  plays 

extremely  well.    M'lle ,juive6,  played  and  sang. 

A  fine  voice  and  mistress  of  music.  Off  at  *4  p.  n. 
Then  an  hour  with  J. 

4.  Couche  at  3.  Another  rendezvous  which 
failed  and  had  nearly  done  mischief.  Robinson  came 
in  before  I  was  out  of  bed,  /.  <?.,  about  10  o'clock.  In 
bad  order ;  tooth  and  jaws,  but  the  lip  which  was 


1  The  Palmaille  is  the  most  fashionable  street  in  Altona. 

2  For  French  Hambourg  or  German   Hamburg. 

3  So  in  the  MS. 

4  Here  Burr  anglicizes  the  name  of  his  valet. 

5  Of  a  more  decided  character.     (D'un  caractere  plus  decide.) 

6  Jewess. 


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bitten  by  a  venomous  animal  on  Friday  last  has 
swollen,  and  is  very  painful.  I  did  not  mention  it 
before,  because  the  origin  of  the  thing  is  so  ridiculous 
that  I  wished  to  hush  it  up ;  for  the  bite  was  given  in 
a  paroxysm  of  great  good  humour.  Hosack  came  in 
just  after  we  had  done  breakfast.  At  12  came  in  Mr. 
Jacobsen,  by  appointment,  to  attend  the  court  with 
me.  Left  my  young  friends  and  went  with  Mr.  J.  to 

the court.     The  President  not  there.   His  chair 

vacant.  The  burgomasters  ;  the  police-officers.  I 
was  introduced  to  all  the  advocates.  There  are  but 
six.  The  number  is  limited.  Have  no  time  to  detail 
the  proceedings.  Home  at  */£  p.  i.  At  2  to  Ham- 
burg, to  de  Chapeaurouge's ;  out.  To  Menard's ; 
saw  him,  Madame,  and  her  brother.  Madame  had 
just  had  a  tooth  drawn.  I  was  just  going  to  have  one 

drawn.      Mr.   M.  went  with  me  to ,  a  society, 

where  are  newspapers,  new  publications,  &c.  He 
inscribed  my  name,  which  gives  admission.  We  were 
then  to  have  gone  to  see  the  senate  and  burgomasters 
en  costume'1  and  in  session ;  but  they  had  adjourned. 
I  called,  by  appointment,  on  Robinson,  to  take  him 
with  me  on  this  walk,  but  he  had  not  come  in. 
Thence  to  Hosack's,  where  dined.  My  tooth  still 
growling.  At  length  made  up  my  mind  to  have  it 
[drawn],  notwithstanding  the  serious  loss  it  will  be  to 
me,  to  say  nothing  of  the  pretty  operation  of  drawing. 
Went  off  to  the  dentist's  full  of  resolution.  He  was 
out,  and  would  not  be  home  till  the  morning.  So 


I     In  costume. 


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Private     ^Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

that  I  shall  have  again  to  make  all  this  effort  to  get 
myself  in  a  tooth-drawing  humour.  Went  thence,  by 
appointment,  to  Professor  Ebeling's.  He  is  a  most 
cheerful,  amiable  man  of  about  62.  Perfectly  deaf. 
The  only  mode  of  communication  with  him  is  by  writ- 
ing. He  always  carries  in  his  pocket  pencil  and 
paper;  and,  when  he  asks  a  question,  hands  them  to 
you  to  reply.  When  he  has  had  your  answer,  he 
returns  it  to  you  ;  because,  he  says,  persons  may  not 
choose  to  have  their  free  conversations  preserved  in 
writing.  He  speaks,  however,  extremely  well,  both 
French  and  English.  Takes  great  interest  in  all  that 
concerns  Americans.  Is  writing  a  statistical,  geo- 
graphical, political,  cal,  &c.,  account  of  the 

United  States.  Has  a  quarto  volume  for  each  state, 
beginning  North,  and  has  got  South  as  far  as  Virginia. 
I  saw  twelve  of  these  quartos.  The  bruillard1  is 
printed  interleaved  with  blank  paper,  on  which  he 
continually  makes  his  additions  and  corrections.  His 
library  of  American  books,  i.  e.,  books  on  American 
affairs,  is  nearly  as  large  as  all  the  Richmond  Hill 
library.  Geography  is  more  particularly  his  depart- 
ment ;  and  the  extent  and  accuracy  of  his  knowledge 
is  astonishing.  A  part  of  his  American  works  were 
published  a  few  years  ago.  You  will  receive  a  copy, 
addressed  to  you  by  himself,  as  he  understands  that 
you  read  and  write  German.  Passed  near  three  hours 
with  this  amiable  man.  Home  at  9.  Omitted : 
Called  on  Madame  Sieveken  this  morning,  and  sat  yz 


I     For  brouillard.     Blotter  or  waste-book — the  first  record  book. 

292 


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hour.  The  state  of  her  daughter's  health  seemed  to 
depress  her.  Mr.  Menard  this  morning  gave  me  four 
letters  of  introduction  for  different  persons  in  Ger- 
many. Begged  that  I  would  advise  him  if  I  went  to 
Paris,  that  he  might  introduce  me  to  his  friends  there. 
Brought  home  my  tooth  and  my  lip,  both  in  bad 
condition.  Tea  with  J.  Will  go  early  to  bed  and 
pos.1  go  before  breakfast  to  the  dentist's,  in  Hamburg, 
about  two  and  a  half  miles,  and  get  rid  of  the  tooth. 
You  don't  believe  me,  but  I  will.  Mem.:  The  St. 
Michael's  church  at  Hamburg ;  height  of  steeples. 
Conversation  with  Ebeling.  A  canal  now  in  use  from 
the  Elbe  to  the  Drave.  You  go  to  the  Elbe  —  miles 

to and  then  ascend  a  small  stream  to  a  lake, 

whence  a  canal  about  six  English  miles  to  the  Drave ; 
down  to  Lubeck.  It  is  only  practicable  for  very  small 
boats  and  very  narrow.  The  canal  of  Charlemagne 
which  joined  the  Rhine  to  the  Danube  by  the  Main 
is  about  to  be  reopened.  Eh  bien,  allez  vous  me  deplu- 
mer?*  Hamburg  funeral;  see  the  plate.  No  lamps 
in  Altona  except  Palmaille  and  near  some  public  build- 
ings. News  of  arrivals  of  nine  more  American  vessels 
at  Tonningen.  Intercourse  with  England  death3. 

5.  I  did  go  to  bed  at  12  and  rose  before  7,  when 
it  is  as  dark  as  at  midnight.  Dressed  in  the  dark, 
having  made  arrangements  therefor,  and  before  a 
creature  in  the  house  had  moved,  sallied  forth  fasting 


1  Positively. 

2  Well,  are  you  going  to  displume  me  >. 

3  Referring  doubtless  to  the  Berlin  Decree  of  1806,  in  which   Napoleon  proclaimed  that  the 
harbours  of  neutrals  were  closed  against   British   ships   under  penalty  of  war  with    France,  and 
the  confiscation  of  ships  and  goods. 


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Private     journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

to  the  dentist's.  He  was  abed.  I  had  him  called  up 
in  great  haste,  and  what  might  not  have  been  expected, 
he  met  me  with  great  good  humour.  He  advised 
strongly  against  drawing  the  tooth.  Could  give  me 
an  application  which,  if  I  would  confine  myself  for  the 
day,  would  take  out  the  pain  and  inflammation,  and 
then  he  would  plombe1  it.  How  easily  one  receives 
advice  when  it  concurs  with  one's  wishes  !  Like  a 
fool,  I  listened,  and  came  off  with  his  application,  which 

is   flowers   of  2  and   rye  meal ;  a   dry   cushion 

applied  hot  and  frequently  heated.  J.  made  the 
cushions  very  quick  and  very  nice,  and  has  been  all 
day  heating  and  applying  them.  It  has  soulageed1  a 
little,  but  still  the  jaw  is  not  in  a  condition  to  travel 
with  or  to  be  plombeed.  I  am  very  much  inclined,  not 
quite  resolved,  to  have  the  tooth  drawn  to-morrow. 
Sent  F.  to  Donner  with  a  note  about  money  matters, 
and  then  to  town  ;  <vid.  all  the  notes,  a  whole  dozen  of 
them.  Received  a  very  kind  letter  from  Ebeling,  with 
four  letters  of  introduction  to  different  learned  men. 

Din.     Soup.     Tea  with  J.     Her  lover,  young , 

hearing  that  I  was  indisposed,  came  to  see  me  and 
tendered  his  services.  He  is  a  very  handsome  and 
amiable  young  man.  Have  had  no  other  visit  to-day. 
Intended  to  have  written  a  great  many  letters  to  distant 
friends,  but  have  not  written  a  line.  My  principal 
occupation  has  been  in  running  over  a  vast  pile  of 
American  papers  which  Ebeling  sent  me.  I  opened 


I     Burr  has  anglicized  the  French  verb  flombcr,  to  stop  a  tooth. 

z     Possibly  camomile. 

}     Another  hybrid  verb  from  the  French  verb  loulager,  to  alleviate. 


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Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

your  picture  yesterday  to  gratify  J.,  who  has  the  same 
faille1,  eyes,  and  mouth.  Got  my  bill,  which  frightens 
me  to  death.  Seventy-three  marks  for  the  last  eight 
days ;  equal  to  20  species  dollars,  and  Francois  not 
included !  I  must,  I  will  be  off,  if  it  be  only  to 
Hamburg ;  but  not  to-morrow.  To-morrow  I  must 
go  to  President  Blucher's  court,  having  been  twice 
expected  there  and  failed,  but  next  day  (to-morrow)  I 
do  think  I  shall  go. 

6.  Couche  at  12.  Had  a  bad  night.  That 
bitten  lip  gave  me  the  most  intolerable  pain.  Very 
like  the  application  of  a  hot  coal.  The  jaw,  too,  was 
not  quite  silent.  Got  up  at  7,  and  dressed  in  the 
dark,  and  without  fire,  being  resolved  to  attend  Presi- 
dent Blucher's  court.  Francois  came  presently  and 
helped  me.  Got  breakfast  at  8,  and,  having  sent  my 
greatcoat  to  the  taylor's1  for  improvement,  took  coach 
and  went  to  Jacobsen's  (but  first  I  wrote  notes  to 
Robinson,  and  Hosack,  and  Netzel,  and  sent  off 
Francois  to  Hamburg  with  them).  Mr.  Jacobsen  is 
author  of  a  very  learned  treatise  on  maritime  law, 
which  I  shall  send  out  to  the  United  States.  Sat  an 
hour  with  him  ;  greatly  interested  by  his  communica- 
tions on  Holstein  and  Altona  law.  Then  to  court. 
The  President  received  me  with  great  politeness,  and 
gave  me  a  chair  at  his  right  hand.  Staid  in  court  two 
hours,  during  which  time  more  than  forty  causes  were 
despatched  in  a  manner  quite  new  to  me,  and  highly 
interesting.  In  the  deportment  of  the  President 


I     Figure. 

3.     So  in  the  MS. 


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Private     y o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr. 

there  was  a  happy  combination  of  dignity,  courtesy, 
intelligence,  and  despatch.  Remind  me  to  relate  to 
you  the  trial  between  a  sea  captain  and  a  little  girl 
whom  he  had  enticed  from  Redensburg,  and  aban- 
doned here,  where  he  has  fern.  Between  a  widow  lady 
and  her  lover ;  he  had  lent  her  money ;  how  the 
account  was  balanced.  A  suit  by  a  girl  for  breach  of 
promise  of  marriage.  Several  cases  of  debt  acknowl- 
edged. Of  the  manner  of  giving  bail  for  a  stranger 
(citizens  or  burghers  give  none).  No  imprisonment 
for  debt  in  Holstein  or  Altona.  Tools  of  a  trade, 
necessary  furniture,  &c.,  cannot  be  taken  in  execution. 

A  singular  custom  called ,  and  the  manner  of 

executing  it.  The  President  in  another  district,  where 
he  presided,  at  first  gave  all  gratis.  No  fee  for  sum- 
mons, &c.  The  consequences  and  the  charge;  4  sch. 
for  citation.  Having  dismissed  my  coach  and  paid 
him  24  sch.,  walked,  sans  greatcoat,  and  the  weather 
bleak  and  raw,  to  Donner's  ;  out ;  but  his  younger 
brother  settled  my  money  affairs.  Home  just  before 
i.  Found  Hosack  and  Robinson  had  just  gone.  I 
wished  to  see  them,  and  wrote  them  this  morning  as 
you  see,  not  to  come  before  i  o'clock.  They  came  at 
12  and  went  off  just  before  i.  I  had,  with  very  great 
reluctance,  left  the  court  merely  to  observe  my 
appointment  with  them  !  The  President  asked  me  to 
dine  on  Friday,  which  declined.  Must,  and  will  go 
off.  At  2  to  Hamburg.  To  Hosack  for  ^  hour. 
To  la  veu.  cap.  de  Prus.1;  72  sch.  To  the  library 

I      For  la  veuve  [du]   Cafitaine  de  [la]  Prune.     The  widow  of  the  Prussian  Captain. 

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Private     'Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

to  see  Professor  Ebeling.  Passed  ^  hour  with 
him,  and  always  much  amused.  Received  another 
letter  from  him.  Then  dismissed  Francois,  and  went 
to  the  dentist's  with  the  full  determination  to  have  out 
the  tooth,  in  spite  of  his  advice  or  remonstrances. 
He  was  out.  To  la  veu.prus.1  an  hour,  and  home  at 
5,  not  having  dined  nor  having  any  appetite.  The 
jaw  more  swollen  and  very  painful.  Tea  with  J. 
Sent  out  for  the  ingredients  of  what,  in  the  family,  we 
used  to  call  Matt's  salve,  and  set  Francois  to  cook  it, 
which  he  did  very  ill.  Applied  a  large  plaister1  to  the 
place  affected.  Lay  down  and  got  asleep  ;  but  the  lip, 
which  is  worse  and  worse,  and  which  I  am  at  a  loss 
what  to  think  of,  waked  me  after  an  hour.  Found 
the  jaw  much  relieved,  and  now  quite  in  repose ;  but 
the  lip  gives  me  such  strange  twinges  that  I  am  afraid 
to  layz  down,  for  it  is  much  worse.  What  strange 
sort  of  poison  can  this  be,  which  does  not  diffuse 
itself,  but  rankles  in  that  spot  ?  The  lip  is  a  little 
swollen  and  quite  numb,  not  painful,  except  by 
twinges,  which  become  more  frequent  and  tough. 
Donner  called  while  I  was  in  Hamburg.  The  Presi- 
dent is  very  like  the  late  Dr.  Ledyard.  Could 
discern  the  sun  this  forenoon,  but  now  raining  again. 
What  infernal  roads  I  shall  have  if  I  should  ever  get 
out  of  Altona ! 

7.  Couche  at  12  and  slept  very  well  till  8.  Only 
two  twinges  of  the  lip.  The  swelling  in  the  face  not 
having  subsided,  and  a  dull  pain  in  the  jaw  keeping 


I     For  la  veuve  fruisienne.     The  Prussian  widow. 
4     So  in  the  MS. 


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Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

me  in  constant  bad  humour,  immediately  after  break- 
fast took  a  hack,  and  set  off  for  the  dentist's.  Fran- 
cois had  been  sent  to  Hamburg  early  in  the  morning. 
The  coachman  mistook  his  directions,  or  was  not 
acquainted  with  the  town  of  Hamburg.  I  could  not 
inform  him,  as  he  understood  not  a  word  of  French 
or  English.  He  drove  about  the  city  a  full  hour, 
stopping  frequently  to  ask  questions,  probably  to  get 
directions.  At  length,  seeing  no  end  to  the  journey, 
I  got  out  and  after  walking  half  an  hour,  during  which 
got  my  feet  wet,  found  ourselves  on  the  north  side  of 
the  Lake  Alster  ;  whence,  however,  I  could  see  the 
place  of  our  destination,  and,  having  shown  it  to  him, 
I  got  in  again.  The  fellow  was  so  sulky  that  he 
would  not  get  off  the  box  to  shut  the  door,  and  stood 
still  full  five  minutes,  till  a  person  passing  by  shut  the 
door  for  us.  Finally,  got  to  the  dentist's,  and  went 
in  with  the  full  determination  not  to  listen  to  a  word  of 
his  advice.  He  was  abroad,  and  not  expected  home 
till  night !  To  Hosack's  quarters  to  inquire  for 
another  dentist.  The  servant  knew  of  one  in  the 
neighbourhood.  Sent  him  to  see  if  he  were  at  home. 
After  ^2  hour's  absence,  returned  with  an  answer  that 
the  dentist  would  call  on  me  immediately.  This  was 
exactly  what  I  did  not  wish,  for  two  obvious  reasons, 
so  drove  off  to  the  dentist's  house.  It  is  a  very 
handsome  house,  and  I  was  received  with  politeness, 
too  much  for  the  occasion,  by  a  well-dressed  gentle- 
man and  lady.  The  lady  came  up  to  me  officiously, 
and  was  about  to  apply  her  hands  to  my  face.  Wish- 

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Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

ing  to  get  rid  of  her,  I  very  civilly  begged  her  not  to 
trouble  herself;  that  I  had  come  to  have  a  tooth 
drawn.  "  Eh  bien,  Monsieur,  c  est  moi  qui  vais  F  arra- 
cher."  "  Vous,  Madame  ?  "  "  Out,  moi."  "  Mais 
voyons,  est  ce  que  vos  petites  mains  ont  la  force?"  "F'ous 
en  serais  convainqu  et  content"1.  I  submitted,  and  she 
drew  the  tooth  very  quick  and  perfectly  well.  Paid  I 
ducat  (two  species).  Home  at  i,  in  ten  times  more 
pain  than  I  went  out.  Lay  on  the  bed  and  slept  an 
hour.  The  pain  still  continues  (10  P.  M.),  though 
not  so  violent,  but  enough  to  unfit  me  for  writing 
anything  but  this.  Whilst  talking  with  you,  I  can 
forget  the  pain  for  half  an  hour  together.  Received 
this  afternoon  a  note  from  Ebeling,  apologizing  that 
he  could  not  call  on  me,  having  been  seized  with  a 
colic.  Response,  q.  v.  Sent  apology  to  de  Blucher 
that  I  could  not  dine  with  him  to-morrow ;  indisposi- 
tion. Received  from  Jacobsen  a  message  and  present 
of  a  book  on  Holstein  law,  with  explanatory  notes  in 
his  own  hand ;  and  thus  I  have  passed  the  day.  Alas, 
at  this  rate,  when  shall  I  get  to  Paris  ;  and  when  to 
you  !  J.  and  her  lover  have  been  very  attentive  to 
me.  Looking  at  the  map  since  writing  the  above,  I 
see  that  I  was  north  of  the  Binnen-Alster,  having 
passed  over  that  causeway  which  divides  the  Binnen 
from  the  Grosse-Alster*.  It  affords  on  each  side  a 


1  "  Well,  sir,  I  am  the   one  that  is  going  to  draw  it."      "You,  Madame  ?"     "  Yes,  I." 
"  But,  let's  see,  are  your  little  hands  strong  enough  !  "     "  You'll  be  convinced  of  it  and  satis- 
fied."     (  Vous  en  sertx,  convaincu  et  content.) 

2  Besides  the  Elbe,  there  are  two  small  rivers  at   Hamburg  called  the  Alster  and  the  Bille. 
The  former,  flowing  from  the   north,  forms  a  large  basin,  outside  the   town,  and  a  smaller  one 
within  it,  called  the  Aussen-Alster  and  Binnen-Alster  respectively,  and  then   intersects  the  town 
in  two  main  branches.     The  Aussen-Alster   (outside)  being    much  the  larger  is  often  called  the 
Grosse-Alster. 

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Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

fine  view,  but  I  was  not  much  in  the  humour  to 
enjoy  fine  views.  Raining  all  this  evening.  Twelve 
o'clock.  J.  had  been  to  a  dinner  and  party  with  her 
lover,  and  has  just  been  passing  an  hour  with  me. 
Had  been  very  successful  in  the  toilette.  Simply, 
but  prettily  mise1.  Showed  her  the  watch  ring,  by 
which  you  will  know  that  it  is  safe. 

8.  Couche  at  i.  Lev.  at  8.  Have  found  very 
little  relief,  I  believe  none,  by  the  loss  of  the  tooth. 
The  jaw  continues  in  the  same  state  of  inflammation, 
which  has  now  extended  to  the  glands  of  the  throat. 
A  very  restless  and  uncomfortable  night.  At  10  came 
in  Robinson,  and  ^  p.  1 1  H.  Great  distress  about 
the  finances  of  the  latter.  Received  this  morning  a 
very  kind  note  from  Ebeling,  with  some  more  Amer- 
ican papers.  Young  Wirtz  et  sa  Dulciri21.  Very 
attentive  to  me.  Not  stirred  out  all  day.  Determined 
to  try  the  infallible  remedy  of  fasting.  Took  no  din- 
ner ;  nothing.  Tea  at  8  with  J.  Wrote  to  Hauterive 
a  very  short  and  rather  morose  letter,  q.  v.  Wrote 
also  to  the  Minister  of  Police  in  Paris.  Sent  Francois 
to  Hamburg  on  sundry  errands,  particularly  to  call  on 
de  Chap,  and  de  Netzel  to  ask  if  any  letters.  None. 
Have  done  nothing  more  but  lounge  all  day,  and 
went  over  the  Cests*  this  evening.  The  starving  has 
done  a  leetle  good.  Yes,  answered  Ebeling's  note  by 
his  servant.  At  1 1  had  wine,  hot  water,  and  sugar 
with  J. 

1  Dressed. 

2  Dulcin.  for  Dulcinea   [del  Toboso],  the  lady  beloved  by  Don  Quixote  in  Cervantes's  rom- 
ance.    Used  here  for  sweetheart.     The  Spanish  name   is   made  from  the  Latin  adjective   dulcis, 
sweet. 

3  See  Glossary. 

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Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

9.  Worse  and  worse  !  All  the  teeth,  neighbours 
of  the  departed,  have  combined  in  vengeance  !  Sat  up 
till  2  this  morning,  and  then  went  to  bed  because  I 
had  no  more  candle.  Wrote  H.  and  R.  that  I  should 
not  go  to-day.  Might  as  well  write  that  I  shall  never 
go;  vid.  the  notes.  Wrote  also  to  Monsieur  de  Bour- 
rienne,  enclosing  my  letter  to  the  Minister  of  Police1, 
&c.,  q.  v.,  and  sent  off  Francois  with  them  all.  Young 
Donner  came  and  sat  an  hour  with  me.  Have  been 
laying  on  the  bed  half  the  day  in  much  pain.  J., 
whose  attentions  are  unremitted,  boiled  figs  in  milk, 
and  applied  them  warm  to  the  part  most  affected  in 
the  gums,  which  has  had  a  good  effect.  But  J.,  being 
strongly  opposed  to  my  starving  system,  insisted  so 
much  on  my  eating,  that  I  took  a  very  little  (not  half 
a  pint)  of  boiled  milk  by  way  of  dinner,  and  in  two 
hours  had  a  violent  headache.  To  remove  this  took 
cr.  ta.  punch,  which,  indeed,  has  carried  off  the  head- 
ache, but  in  a  way  that  will  keep  me  up  the  whole 
night.  At  2  o'clock  A.  M.  of  Sunday  I  write  this. 
The  fig  application  has  had  a  most  wonderful  effect ; 
the  swelling  is  much  reduced,  and  I  am  at  this  moment 
quite  free  from  pain  ;  but  the  soreness  remains.  Think 
of  traveling  to-morrow  !  Will  that  be  prudent  ?  It 
shall  depend  on  the  weather.  Have  been  sorting  and 
burning  papers  all  the  evening,  /.  e.y  since  n,  and 


I  This  letter,  dated  Hamburg,  December  8,  1809,  and  addressed  "  To  the  Minister  of  Police, 
Paris,"  read  as  follows:  "  The  undersigned,  desiring  to  visit  Paris  from  motives  of  curiosity  and 
amusement  only,  has  the  honour  to  request  that  a  passport  for  that  purpose  may  be  transmitted 
to  the  officer  of  police  in  Mayence,  where  he  (the  undersigned)  proposes  to  be  in  the  course  of 
a  month.  Lest  any  doubt  may  arise  as  to  his  country,  he  would  add,  that  his  person  and  his 
handwriting  are  known  to  Mons.  le  Comte  de  Volney,  to  Mons.  d'Hauterive,  and  to  many  other 
French  gentlemen  who  have  traveled  in  the  United  States. — A.  BURR." 


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Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

must  now  write  a  letter — not  to  thee,  hussy,  but  to 
that  good  Liming. 

10.  Couche  at  2.  The  jaws  plagued  me  "more 
or  less  "  all  night.  Rose,  however,  with  the  determi- 
nation to  go.  The  pain,  however,  increased,  and 
retarded  my  proceedings,  and  by  1 1  found  it  utterly 
impossible  to  be  ready  by  i,  the  hour  at  which  the 
boat  goes.  The  pain  became  so  violent  that  I  was 
obliged  to  muffle  up  and  lay  down.  It  occurred  to 
me  that  I  was  just  a  fit  subject  for  a  stool  wagon,  and 
fit  for  nothing  else.  Got  up  and  fell  to  packing, 
which  had  not  yet  been  begun.  Wrote  notes  to 
Hosack  and  Ebeling  and  sent  off  Francois.  H.  C. 
Donner  came  in  and  sat  half  an  hour.  Oh,  wrote  to 
Luning  the  father  that  I  should  cross  the  river 
to-morrow  on  my  way  to  his  house,  and  sent  letter  to 
the  post-office.  Francois  returned  at  5  with  note  from 
Hosack.  He  had  done  nothing,  attempted  nothing 
in  his  own  affairs.  Young  Wirtz  to  tender  services. 
J.'s  unremitted  attention.  The  application  of  the 
cushions  at  length  relieved  me.  No  dinner ;  no 
appetite.  Tea  at  7.  J.  in  the  evening;  very,  very. 
Adieu  ;  my  next  will  be  from  the  other  side  the  Elbe, 
once  Hanover,  now . 

Harburg,  December  n,  1809.  You  see  that  I 
have  actually  got  out  of  Altona  !  Some  tears  were 
shed  at  parting.  After  having  been  so  many  days 
confined  to  a  warm  room,  my  head  wrapped  up  with 
bandages,  my  first  sortie  has  been  to  the  ferry,  and 
three  hours  on  the  water  in  an  open  boat,  exposed  to 


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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

a  very  strong  gale,  and  without  any  bandage  ;  and 
under  this  process  the  pain  has  left  me,  though  I  do 
assure  you  I  was  chilled  to  the  very  bone.  Hosack 
and  Robinson  called  on  me  about  12  ;  at  i  came  to 
the  ferry,  where  waited  a  full  hour.  Robinson  goes 
to  Leipzig.  Hosack  stays  at  Hamburg,  so  that  I  shall 
make  this  journey  without  a  servant  and  without  a 
companion,  totally  ignorant  of  the  language,  and  in 
the  very  worst  season  of  the  year.  Yet  do  not  be 
alarmed,  we  shall  get  along  and  find  amusement.  I 
have  just  taken  tea  and  biscuit,  by  way  of  dinner  and 
supper.  The  inn  is  comfortable  and  neat.  Have 
been  talking  an  hour  with  a  very  intelligent  traveler 
who  speaks  English.  Have  written  letters  to  Liining, 
to  H.,  and  to  R.;  and  this  morning  before  leaving 
Altona,  wrote  to  Gahn  and  to  Montval,  [le  sourd  et 
muef] ',  the  deaf  and  dumb,  q.  v.  Your  picture  gave 
me  a  great  deal  of  plague,  and  but  for  J.,  I  should 
never  have  got  it  well  put  up.  I  have  a  great  mind 
to  roll  you  up  again,  and  pack  you  away  in  the  trunk, 
though  your  great  and  good  friend,  Breda,  so  strongly 
remonstrated  against  it.  He  also  varnished  and  put 
you  in  frame  from  mere  love.  And  now,  at  12,  am 
just  going  to  bed,  having  ordered  horses  for  7  in  the 
morning.  Written  in  my  bedroom  without  a  fire. 

Willez,  three  miles  from  Harburg,  December  12, 
1809.  Had  got  to  bed  and  blown  out  my  candle  last 
night,  when  I  found  that  the  sheets  were  very  damp. 
After  laying  a  few  minutes  thought  I  felt  some  twinges 

I     These  French  words  appear  in  the  Journal  with  a  line  drawn  through  them, 
a     For  Welle. 

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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

in  the  jaw,  and  finding  no  disposition  to  sleep,  began 
to  apprehend  a  sleepless  and  uncomfortable  night. 
Presently  in  comes  Francois  with  a  candle.  "  £)uy  est 
ce  que  vous  voulez  ?"  "  Monsieur,  vous  navez  ordonne 
de  vous  eveiller  a  sept  heures  et  sept  heures  vient  de 
sonner1."  I  looked  at  my  watch  and  it  was  so.  Thus 
I  had  slept  six  hours  so  perfectly  that  I  was  no  way 
conscious  of  having  been  asleep.  Embar?  at  getting 
off.  Expenses.  Stopped  at  the  Commandant's  to 
show  passport.  At  8  got  fairly  out  of  the  town.  A 
fine  view  of  Hamburg  and  Altona.  Clear,  windy, 
cold,  not  winter  cold,  but  a  little  ice,  &c.  Rise  a  hill 
of  fifty  or  sixty  feet,  broken  little  hills  for  ^  mile, 
then  less  broken,  but  sandy,  barren,  and  bleak. 
Neither  trees  nor  enclosures.  Three  little  clusters  of 
houses,  eight  or  ten  each.  Some  small  patches  of 
wood.  Houses  of  plaister ;  very  few  of  brick,  all 
covered  with  thatch,  which  acquires  a  green  moss. 
The  roof,  as  in  Holstein,  coming  within  five  feet  of 
the  ground.  The  greater  part  of  the  houses  without 
chimneys.  There  are  five  or  six  houses  at  Wille.  It 
is  relieved  by  the  small  patches  of  woods  which  sur- 
round it.  My  breakfast  is  tea,  bread  and  butter, 
boiled  beef,  and  potatoes  ;  all  good.  The  beef  slightly 
salted  and  a  little  smoked,  is  excellent.  This  is  the 
first  meat  I  have  tasted  in  eight  days  ;  8  b.  gro.3  for 


1  "  What  do  you  want  ?"     "  Sir,  you  ordered  me  to  wake  you  at  7  o'clock,  and  7  o'clock 
has  just  struck."     (Viennent  de  sonner.) 

2  For  embarras.     Embarrassment. 

3  For  Aonj,  i.  «.,  GK/«-groschen.     The  groschen  was  a  silver  coin  varying  in  value  between 
2  and  3  cents.     In  some  German  provinces  it  was  worth  ^  of  a  thaler,  in  others  ^  of  the  same. 
In  Silesia  and  certain  other  regions,  the  former  coins  of  greater  value   and  somewhat  large  size 
came  to  be    known    as   Gu/«-groscben    to    distinguish   them  from    the  Kaiier-groschen  and  the 
M<iri«n-groschen  or  Si/4«r-groschen,  which  were  also  called  simply  groschen. 

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Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

breakfast ;  2  mar.  to  dinner  ;  Jung.,  4  gro.;  Wagmr  81. 

At  9  P.  M.  arrive  at z,  being  seven  miles  from 

Harburg,  and  here  I  stay  for  the  night.  While  fire  is 
making  in  my  room,  I  am  in  the  family  room,  where 
they  are  making  sausages.  Four  women  at  a  large 
table  chopping  meat.  They  have  knives  shaped  like 
a  horseshoe,  but  larger  than  half  a  plate.  Each  end  is 
a  handle,  so  that  it  is  held  in  both  hands.  Two  beau- 
tiful little  girls,  children  of  the  host,  running  about 
and  helping.  Rain  and  hail  soon  after  leaving  Wille. 
The  wind  blew  a  tempest  right  in  our  teeth.  Night 
overtook  us  two  miles  from  Wille.  The  roads  are  so 
very  bad  that  having  been  thirteen  hours  from  Har- 
burg, I  have  made  only  seven  miles.  The  whole  way 
open,  uncultivated,  barren  plains.  The  roads  very 
like  those  from  Bowling  Green  to  Petersburgh,  [Va.], 
at  this  season.  No  trees ;  now  and  then  a  patch  of 
wood,  which  is  always  the  sign  of  a  house ;  the  houses 
being  always  placed  in  a  patch  of  forest  trees.  One 
flock  of  about  one  hundred  sheep,  all  black,  and  a 
herd  of  about  fifty  cattle,  is  all  I  have  seen.  The 
country  all  this  distance  from  Harburg  is  dreary,  and 
has  a  desolate  appearance.  At  this  place  is  the  first 
church  in  all  the  distance  (about  thirty-two  English 
miles),  and  the  first  village.  This  contains  only  about 
—  houses.  This  tavern,  which  is  also  the  post-house, 
is  very  good.  My  ignorance  of  the  language  will  cost 
a  dollar  to-night.  I  told  the  landlord,  who  speaks  a 
little  French,  to  give  me  my  supper  in  this  room, 

1  Probably  for  l  marks  to  (i.e.,  for)  dinner ;  to  the  boy  (7wn£«),4groschen ;  to  the  carriage- 
master  (  Wagtnmcister),  8. 

2  Rethem  sur  TAUer. 

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Private     y  o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

meaning  my  tea,  having  thought  of  no  other  supper. 
The  tea  was  brought  in,  but  without  anything  to  eat. 
Asked  for  bread  and  butter,  and  it  was  brought.  He 
then  asked  if  I  would  have  my  supper  now.  Yes. 
Then  was  brought  soup  and  beef  bouilli^  roast  goose, 
bread,  butter  and  cheese.  I  tasted  all  and  found  all 
excellent,  and  asked  for  wine,  which  I  am  always  better 
without.  Had  a  very  pleasant  French  white  wine. 
Rethem  sur  1'Aller.  There,  I  have  made  the  land- 
lord write  down  for  me  the  name  of  this  village. 

13.  Couche  at  12.  Rose  */£  p.  6.  The  supper 
did  me  no  good.  Off  at  5^  p-  7-  Snow,  rain,  and 
wind  in  our  teeth.  Pass  into  a  barren  plain  about  one 
mile  English.  Then  woods  which  had  been  planted. 
A  chateau,  that  is,  a  coarse  two-story  brick  house  ; 
two  miles  and  four  or  five  farmhouses.  Then  plain, 
two  or  three  miles,  again.  Stop  for  snaps1  at  a  pleas- 
ant little  valley  through  which  runs  a  lively  brook. 
(Qu.:  If  all  brooks  are  not  lively  after  a  heavy  rain.) 
The  farmhouses  are  thus  :  You  enter  a  large  barn 
door ;  on  each  side  cattle  in  stalls  with  their  heads 
towards  the  middle  or  passage.  At  the  farther  end 
you  see  a  fire  in  a  sort  of  oven,  and  ranged  along  on 
one  or  both  sides  of  it,  kitchen  utensils.  On  one  side 
you  open  a  door  into  the  common  eating-room,  in 
which  is  a  stove  heated  by  the  aforesaid  oven.  Here 
my  postillion  took  snaps  and  stuckey*  for  which  I  paid 
4  bon-gros.  Was  glad  to  stop,  being  very  cold. 

1  Burr's  spelling  of  schnapps,  a  popular  drink. 

2  Probably  for  schnapps  and   Rundstuckchen.     The   latter  were  small   round  pieces    of  well 
baked  bread,  like  buns  without  the  sweetening.     They  were  much  eaten  in  Northern  Germany. 

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Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

There  are  four  or  five  such  farmhouses  in  this  valley. 
Rising  very  gently  the  plain  for  one  mile  English  to 
the  right  or  west,  an  extensive  view.  On  the  summit 
of  this  plain,  woods,  in  which  are  a  great  number  of 
buildings  about  fourteen  feet  square.  Roof-boards 
and  sides  wickerwork.  No  chimney  or  window  ; 
what  can  they  be  for  ?  Descend  gently,  a  village 
and  church  to  the  left  on  the  low  plain  now  before 
us.  A  rope  ferry  (the  river  Aller);  land  on  an  island, 
^  English  mile  on  a  raised  causeway ;  trees  on  each 
side.  A  bridge  which  brings  you  to  the  station  and 
town  of ,  whence  this  is  written,  at  a  most  com- 
fortable house.  Two  beautiful  flik.^  one  blo.^  one  bru^ 
both  speaking  French,  not  sisters,  but  too  busy  to 
speak  much.  Got  breakfast ;  coffee,  two  portions  of 
sugar,  three  portions  of  milk,  three  eggs.  At  the  last 
stage  I  was  told  that  there  were  four  regiments 
(French)  in  Nionsborg1.  Here  the  lady  says  there 
are  none  at  all.  We  shall  know  presently,  being  only 
2^£  miles  off.  The  stoves.  A  gallant  horse,  going 
on  at  a  great  rate.  A  hand,  issuing  from  a  cloud  and 
holding  a  wreath,  crowns  the  horse.  Motto :  "  In 
recto  decus"1.  Paid  3  dollars  20  gro.  to  postillion,  2 
gro.  to  dom.  I  forgot  to  tell  you  that  while  we  were 
at  the  valley  mentioned  on  the  preceding  page,  the 
storm  ceased,  and  the  sun  came  out.  In  the  ferry- 
boat with  me  were  five  paysans,  or  bourgeois*^  all  in 

1  For  two  beautiful  flicias,  one  blonde,  one  brunette.     Burr  is  still  using  the   Swedish  word 
for  lasses. 

2  For  Nienburg-on-the-Weser. 
J     Latin.     Honour  in  rectitude. 

4     The  fajsam  are  country  people,  peasants,  while  the  bourgeois  are  city  people  of  the  middle 
or  trading  class. 

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the  same  costume,  viz.,  a  long  blue  coat,  straight 
before,  worked  worsted  buttons,  three-cornered  hat, 
black  neck-cloth  or  silk  handkerchief,  &c. 

Nionsborg,  6  P.  M.  Almost  a  dead  plain  the 
whole  way.  Either  wading  in  mud  and  water  or 
ploughing  through  sand.  We  were  three  and  a  half 
hours  coming  these  two  miles,  and  I  cannot  complain 
of  the  postillion.  The  lady  was  right.  There  are  no 
troops  here.  It  is  a  smart  little  town,  but  here  no 
calash  is  to  be  had.  I  must  either  go  in  an  open 
wagon  more  than  three  miles,  or  wait  till  morning. 
I'll  go  ! 

Sulingen,  December  14,  1809.  I  did  come  on 
in  an  open  wagon  last  night,  and  was  from  7  till  i 
o'clock — six  hours  coming  a  little  more  than  three 
miles  !  You  who  love  so  to  ride  fast  would  die  to  go 
at  this  rate.  I  could  walk  much  faster ;  but  then, 
how  transport  my  little  malle1  and  the  picture  ?  A 
little  before  entering  Nionsborg,  and  for  half  a  mile 
this  side,  the  country  enclosed  with  hedges  and  ditches. 
Then  a  small  village  of  half  a  dozen  farm-houses  ;  a 
few  very  small  hills.  Then  more  than  a  mile  without 
a  house,  save  one,  which  appeared  uninhabited.  All 
the  way  open  plain.  Some  pretty  forests,  however, 
planted  by  the  late  sovereign,  George  III.,  both  oak 
and  pine.  Near  Rethem,  too,  is  also  a  small  forest  of 
fine  old  oak  trees.  At  i  arrived  at  Mr.  Liining's,  the 
father  of  my  young  friend.  The  madger?  made  me 
fire  and  got  tea.  Couche  at  2,  but  hating  to  give  more 


i     Trunk. 

1     For  Miidchen,  i.  e.,  Dienstmddchen.     Maid-servant. 


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trouble,  slept  under  the  down  (duvet]  bed,  the  univer- 
sal covering  in  this  country  and  in  Denmark  and 
Holstein.  In  twenty  minutes  one  of  these  things 
heats  me  up  to  about  150°  of  Fahrenheit;  then  I 
throw  all  off  till  I  got  cooled  down  to  the  freezing 
point ;  then  heat  again,  and  so  on,  repeating  the  process. 
Not  very  refreshing.  At  7  was  very  glad  to  see  the 
madgen  come  in  with  candle  and  fire.  Mr.  Liining 
came  in  and  invited  me  to  take  breakfast  with  him 
below,  which  did.  Exceedingly  mortified  that  I  had 
passed  at  Nionsborg  a  brother  of  Dr.  Bollman,  a 
merchant,  very  handsomely  established  there.  Another 
brother,  well  settled  in  trade  at  Hoya,  three  miles  from 
this.  A  sister,  Madame ,  married  to  an  apoth- 
ecary at  Liineberg,  also  well.  I  cannot  now  go  to  see 
any  of  them.  Mr.  Liining  offers  to  go  with  me 
anywhere  and  everywhere.  Insists  on  my  staying  a 
fortnight,  &c.,  but  I'll  do  no  such  thing,  though 
nothing  can  be  more  kind  than  every  member  of  the 
family.  There  are  eight  children,  three  girls  and  five 
boys,  of  whom  all  are  at  home  except  the  two  elder 
sons.  You  shall  have  some  account  of  them  another 
time.  I  am  now  planning  how  to  pursue  my  journey. 
The  post  extra  is  horribly  expensive.  It  has  cost  me 
1 8  dollars  from  Harburg  to  this.  The  diligence  goes 
day  and  night,  and  at  the  rate  of  about  one  mile  in 
three  hours.  An  open  wagon.  Think  of  trying  it  to 
Hanover ! 

15.     At  length  I   yielded  to  the  solicitations  of 
Eleonora   and   Doris  and   opened  the  picture.      No 

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Private     "Journal    of     Aaron     Burr. 

small  labour ;  for,  to  secure  it  more  perfectly,  I  had 
covered  it  with  cartridge  paper,  sealed  down  to  the 
edge  of  the  box,  and  over  that  the  lid  tied  by  an  hun- 
dred cords.  It  is  in  perfect  order,  and  was  greatly 
admired.  Of  course,  a  thousand  questions  about  you. 
The  girls  did  it  up  again  without  my  aid.  Lest  I 
should  lead  you  into  error  as  to  the  soil  and  means  of 
subsistence  in  this  country,  observe  that  the  cattle  are 
not  seen  abroad,  because  they  are  housed.  Though 
the  soil  be  thin,  yet  cultivations  are  seen  more  or  less 
extensive,  and  where  you  see  a  house  there  is  an  air  of 
comfort  and  even  abundance.  Though  no  enclosures 
are  seen  except  in  and  near  the  towns  and  villages,  yet, 
as  cattle  are  not  allowed  to  run  at  large,  this  is  no 
impediment  to  cultivation.  The  meat  is  very  fine. 
Everywhere  good  bread ;  both  wheat  and  rye  are  as 
cheap  as  on  our  seacoast.  The  common  fuel  is  turf, 
which  is  very  pleasant  for  stoves,  and  so  very  cheap 
that  Mr.  L.,  who  has  a  very  large  family,  and  a  house 
as  big  as  six  of  yours  at  the  Oaks1,  told  me  that  his 
fuel  cost  him  but  about  12  louis  (about  50  dollars) 
per  annum.  Taxes  are  light,  even  now  under  the 
French  administration.  The  tax  on  land  is  about  2 
cents  per  acre.  The  French  government  derive  a 
revenue  of  about  two  millions  per  annum  from  this 
country  (Hanover);  but  this  is  the  mere  conjecture  of 
those  I  conversed  with.  I  cannot  perceive  the  sources 
of  one-half  that  sum.  Whilst  this  country  was  held 
by  George  III.,  he  made  a  point  that  the  whole  reve- 

i     Theodosia's  residence  near  Georgetown,  S.  C. 

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nue  drawn  from  the  electorate  should  be  expended 
within  it.  It  was  not,  however,  appropriated,  that  I 
can  learn,  to  useful  purposes.  After  leaving  you  last 
night,  I  weighed  again  the  merits  of  going  to  Bremen, 
to  Hoya,  whither  Mr.  Liming  proposes  to  eschort 
me  with  his  carriage,  or  of  going  on  my  route.  The 
different  projects  preponderated  alternately.  At  length 
I  resolved  to  go  on,  and  to  go  with  the  diligence,  the 
most  detestable,  the  slowest,  and  the  cheapest  of  all 
modes.  Went  to  work,  packed  all  up,  and  lay  down 
at  12,  expecting  every  minute  the  diligence.  Slept 
sound  till  the  madgen  came  in  to  make  fire  at  7,  for  I 
had  got  rid  of  the  down  covering,  and  had  a  light 
warm  quilt  in  place.  Hearing  nothing  of  the  dili- 
gence, took  another  nap  till  8,  and  now  at  12,  it  has 
not  arrived.  While  I  am  writing,  le  bon  L.1  has  been 
up  to  offer  new  parties  and  allurements  to  detain. 
Eleonora  and  Doris,  too,  have  used  some  pretty  arts ; 
but  I  shall  resist  all  and  go.  Walked  over  the  village 
this  morning  with  Mr.  Liining,  his  mills,  houses  and 
farms.  It  is  a  wealthy  establishment,  in  that  style  of 
simplicity  which  leaves  one  at  ease.  Doris  is  manager 
this  week.  She  is  a  beautiful  creature  of  1 5  ;  more 
natural  grace,  and  sweetness,  and  modesty,  without 
mauvaise  honte1"^  I  never  saw.  Played  chess  last  night 
with  Eleonora ;  then  she  gave  me  a  number  of  songs, 
accompanied  with  the  piano.  Her  voice  is  very  fine, 
and  just  enough  formed  to  leave  a  little  of  the  wild- 
ness  of  nature.  Just  now  school  is  out,  and  I  counted 


I     The  good  Liining. 
l     Basbfulness. 


Private     y  o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr. 

passing  my  window  104  children  of  each  sex.  It  is 
fair  to  conclude  that  as  many  went  the  other  way,  for 
we  are  adjoining  the  priest's  house,  opposite  the 
church,  in  the  center  of  the  village,  which  appears  to 
have  about  sixty  houses.  Not  one  mean.  But  let 
me  tell  you  how  we  got  on  from  Nionsborg.  There 
was  a  cold  wind  in  our  face.  Took  away  the  seat ; 
filled  the  wagon  with  straw  ;  sat  down  on  the  straw, 
with  my  back  to  the  horses  ;  made  the  postillion  sit 
right  against  me.  Being  a  full-blooded  fellow,  his 
back  served  as  well  to  lean  against  as  to  keep  me 
warm.  In  five  minutes  I  could  feel  him  through  all 
my  clothes,  like  a  heater.  He  had  his  flint,  steel,  and 
tinder,  and  we  kept  our  pipes  going  the  whole  day. 
During  the  six  hours,  from  7  to  i,  I  did  not  get  out 
of  the  wagon,  nor  did  I  suffer.  Every  minute  some 
one  of  this  amiable  family  is  offering  me  some  kind- 
ness or  civility.  One  brings  me  a  fine  apple,  another 
a  pear,  another  a  new  pipe  or  better  tobacco,  and  they 
are  all  in  constant  good  humour  with  each  other. 
All  the  children,  except  the  youngest  (Christopher), 
speak  French  fluently. 

Nieustadt1,  December  16,  1809.  The  diligence 
came  into  Sulingen  at  3  P.  M.,  and  at  4  I  got  in  and 
we  moved  on  towards  Nienburg,  which  is  again  my 
route.  Arrived  there  at  n.  Two  passengers  in  the 
diligence.  A  pleasant  Frenchman,  and  a  German  who 
speaks  only  German.  They  were  going  to  Hamburg. 
So  that  at  Nienburg  we  parted  ;  first  having  taken  tea 
together,  for  which  paid  10  bon-gros. — very  dear.  I 

I     For  Neustadt. 

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am  quite  satisfied  with  the  diligence.  It  is  spacious, 
warm,  well  cushioned,  and,  as  we  never  go  off  a  walk, 
for  a  good  nap.  But,  alas,  from  Nienburg  to  Han- 
over it  is  an  open  wagon.  Submitted,  therefore,  once 
more  to  the  experiment  of  post  extra.  The  fellow 
charged  6  bon-gros.  additional  for  a  covered  calash, 
which  is  an  imposition.  Left  Nienburg  at  12  and 
arrived  here  at  6,  the  distance  being  two  miles  and  a 
half.  Think  of  such  a  rate  of  traveling  !  Not  quite 
twelve  English  miles  in  six  hours.  The  calash,  too, 
was  badly  closed,  so  that  I  suffered  with  the  cold. 
Nevertheless  slept  three  hours,  and  find  myself 
refreshed  and  well.  The  family  all  asleep  when  we 
arrived.  In  five  minutes  had  a  good  fire,  and  in 
fifteen  minutes  excellent  coffee,  bread,  and  butter, 
served  by  a  girl,  the  model  of  good  humour.  There 
must  be  good  humour  naturally,  when  it  is  exhibited 
after  being  waked,  &c.,  on  a  cold  frosty  morning. 
Neustadt  is  on  a  little  river,  a  branch,  I  suppose,  of 
the  Aller.  An  excellent  stone  bridge ;  gates,  but  no 
walks.  Has  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  houses. 

Hanover,  December  16,  1809.  Arrived  at  1 1 
this  morning,  my  last  postillion  being  much  better 
than  his  predecessor.  From  Neustadt  to  this  place 
you  are  the  whole  day  between  rows  of  trees  planted 
on  each  side  the  road,  which  is  also  ditched  on  each 
side  and  raised  in  the  middle ;  but  it  is  only  the  sand 
thrown  up,  so  that  the  road  is  very  pretty  and  very 
bad.  On  leaving  Neustadt,  saw  to  the  right  a  range 
of  blue  hills  (the  first  I  have  seen  since  crossing  the 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

Elbe),  distant,  apparently,  about  four  leagues.  There 
are  hopes,  therefore,  of  getting  off  this  tiresome  plain. 
Had  two  letters  from  Liming  to  Hasse  and  to  another 
person.  Took  lodgings  with  the  former,  a  cheerful 
man  of  70.  The  letter  procured  me  a  good  room  and 
good  attendance.  The  other,  Mr.  Menzzer,  is  quite 
a  young  man.  He  has  been  running  about  with  me 
all  day.  It  is  a  beautiful  little  town,  containing 
16,000  inhabitants.  The  river,  a  branch  of  the  Aller, 
is  made  to  surround  it.  Promenade  and  extensive 
rows  of  trees  everywhere,  but  nothing  of  its  former 
splendour.  Many  valuable  and  curious  things  taken 
to  Paris.  Many  of  the  first  families  removed  to 
England.  The  only  garrison  here  is  a  small  regiment 
of  Westphalians  ;  very  fine  men.  Sent  my  card  to 
Salcette,  and  left  another  for  son  Excellence1  Madame 
de  Decken.  Mr.  Menzzer  procured  me  a  ticket  to 
the  concert,  and  thither  we  went  at  */£  p.  6.  It  is 
given  and  executed  by  the  gentlemen  of  the  town, 
amateurs  and  performers.  No  tickets  sold.  Admit- 
tance only  to  those  invited.  There  were,  I  think, 
near  thirty  performers.  The  room  appears  to  be 
about  1 20  feet  by  40  or  50;  well  lighted  by  seven 
lustres  pendant  from  the  ceiling ;  ornamented  with 
eight  or  ten  statues,  large  as  life,  nearly  plain  ;  ceiling 
horizontal,  and  about  sixteen  feet  high.  The  room 
was  very  full.  At  the  intervals  between  the  pieces  or 
acts,  they  walk  about  and  talk.  Mr.  de  Spilcker,  con- 
seiller  de  la  cour  de  justice2,  got  introduced  to  me,  I 


1  Her  Excellency. 

2  Councilor  of  the  Court  of  Justice. 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

don't  know  how ;  a  well-bred  man  of  30,  speaking 
French  and  English.  He  ciceroned  me  about  the 
room ;  presented  me  to  General  St.  Simon,  command- 
ant de  la  ville1,  who  had  served  with  Moreau*  and 
spoke  of  him.  To  Madame  de  Decken,  who  imme- 
diately proposed  some  parties,  dinners,  suppers,  &c., 
and  when  I  announced  my  intention  of  leaving  town 
to-morrow,  absolutely  forbade  it.  I  yielded,  and 
agreed  to  be  at  her  command  Monday  evening. 
There  were  several  handsome  women,  and  many 
comely,  with  very  fine  complexions,  hair,  &c.  The 
young  ladies  put  up  their  hair  in  various  simple  and 
pretty  ways,  no  caps  or  headdress ;  married  women, 
generally  hats  or  caps.  Of  particulars  I  dare  not 
attempt  any.  The  music  pleased  me,  particularly  two 
songs.  But  Madame  de  Decken,  who  is  scientific, 
and  from  whose  judgment  there  is  no  appeal  in  any 
matter  of  taste,  was  not  satisfied.  She  introduced  me 
to  her  daughter-in-law,  Madame  la  Baronne  de  Wan- 
genheim,  handsome,  graceful,  ladylike  woman ;  tres 
belle  faille*.  Home  at  9.  No' supper,  having  had  tea 
before  I  went  out.  For  dinner,  took  a  small  bowl  of 
soup,  finding  myself  heated  by  the  journey.  Learning 
that  the  diligence,  a  covered  wagon,  leaves  this  for 
Brunswick  on  Tuesday  morning,  resolved  to  go  with 
it.  The  difference  of  expense  is  some  indemnity  for 
the  delay. 

I     Governor  of  the  town. 

z  Probably  Jean  Victor  Moreau,  (1761-1813),  a  French  general.  He  commanded  in  Holland 
in  1795  and  was  at  the  head  of  the  army  of  the  Rhine  and  the  Moselle  in  1796.  He  commanded 
in  Italy  in  1799  anc^  *n  1800  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  army  of  the  Rhine  and  gained 
a  decisive  victory  over  the  Austrians  at  Hohenlinden.  Because  of  intrigues  he  was  exiled  in 
1804  and  lived  in  the  United  States  (near  Trenton,  N.  J.),  from  180510  1813,  when  he  entered 
the  Russian  service.  He  was  mortally  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Dresden,  August  Z7,  1813,  and 
died  on  the  id  of  the  following  September. 

3     Very  fine  figure. 

315 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr  . 

17.  Waked  this  morning,  and  found  myself  in 
a  high  fever,  with  a  difficulty  of  respiration.  Threw 
off  the  bedclothes,  but  no  relief.  A  strong  smell  of 
burnt  wool  led  me,  at  length,  to  suspect  the  cause  of 
this  strange  malady.  The  door  to  my  stove  is  in  the 
entry  or  hall,  so  that  the  fire  is  made  without  coming 
into  my  room.  The  boy,  in  great  kindness,  had,  at 
an  early  hour,  heated  the  stove  to  that  degree  that  a 
pair  of  woolen  stockings  (my  fine  Edinburgh  knit 
stockings)  and  a  pair  of  culottes1,  which  I  had  hung  at 
least  three  inches  from  the  stove,  were  so  burned  as  to 
be  ruined.  Got  up,  opened  the  window,  and  found  I 
could  breathe  well  enough  ;  but  I  assure  you  I  have 
been  all  day  much  the  worse  for  the  baking.  At  10 
came  in  Mr.  Menzzer,  and  at  1  1  I  went  to  Mons.  de 
Spilcker's.  Having  early  received  a  card  from  the 
Governor,  General  La  Salcette,  called  on  him  and  sat 
a  few  minutes.  A  man  of  prepossessing  physiognomy 
and  pleasing  manners.  He  engaged  me  to  dine  with 
him  to-morrow.  Just  before  I  had  engaged  myself  to 
de  Spilcker,  but  he  very  kindly  agreed  to  let  me  off. 
Mr.  de  Sp.  then  went  with  me  to  the  Commander 
General  St.  Simon,  who  asked  me  to  dine  either  to- 
day or  to-morrow  ;  being  engaged  both  days,  was 
obliged  to  decline.  To  Mr.  -  ,  first  librarian,  a 
very  amiable  old  gentleman,  who  received  me  most 
kindly.  To  Madame  de  D.'s,  who  was  out  ;  sent  up 
my  card  to  Mr.  de  D.,  who  received  us.  A  very 
dignified  and  courteous  man.  Actuellement  premier 


1     Breeches. 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

min.1  Home  at  i.  Found  the  card  of  Madame  de 
Decken.  At  the  moment  of  my  return  came  in  Mr. 
de  Patje,  president  des1 ,  who  introduced  him- 
self to  me.  Hearing  of  my  arrival,  and  wishing  the 
honour  of  my  acquaintance,  &c.,  &c.,  which  is  certainly 
civil  and  hospitable  in  a  high  degree.  An  intelligent 
and  well-bred  man.  At  2  to  dine  with  my  friend 
Menzzer  (who  had  invited  me  also  yesterday),  enfam- 
ille.  T :  besides  ux.  et  mer.*,  Mr.  Palm,  an  interesting 

young  man,  bailie  du 4,  great  am.  de  E.  Boll.5; 

this    at    once    made    us    acquainted ;  also    Madame 

,    vraiment    belle  femme,    whose    mar.6    is    at 

Demar,  or  somewhere  thereabouts.  Theatre1 — 
"  Hamlet  "—Theatre  Philosoph.8  */'  dir?  Sleight  of 
hand.  Ventriloq.  I  admire  very  much  the  Theatre 
au  Palais10,  where  I  was  to  see  "Hamlet"  in  German, 
translated  from  Shakespeare.  There  is  pat  err  e"  and 
five  rows  of  boxes ;  no  gallery,  as  in  Edinburgh. 


1  At  this  very  time  Prime  Minister  (Ministre). 

2  President  of  the . 

J  For  uxor  et  mere.     Wife  and  mother. 

4  For  hailli  du .     Bailiff  of  the  • 


5  Great  friend  (ami)  of  E.  Bol.,  meaning  Eric  Bollman,  a  most  interesting  character,  who 
was  one  of  Burr's  associates  in  the  affair  of  Mexico  and  to  whom  there  are  frequent  references 
in  the  Journal.     Mr.  Bollman  was  born  in  Hoya,  Hanover,  in  1769,  and  died  in  Jamaica,  W.  I., 
December  9,  1821.     He  studied  medicine  at  Gdttingen,  and  practiced  in   Carlsruhe  and  Paris, 
where  he  settled  at  the  beginning  of  the  French  Revolution.     He  accompanied  Count  Narbonne, 
who  fled  to  England  in  1792,  and  in  London  fell  in  with    Lally-Tollendal,  who   induced  him  to 
go  to  Austria  and  endeavor  to  find  out  where  General  Lafayette  was  kept  in  confinement.     He 
established  himself  as   a   physician   in  Vienna.     Learning   that    Lafayette   was   a   prisoner   at 
Olmutz,  he  formed  a  plan  to  rescue  him  with  the  assistance  of  Francis  Kinlock  Huger,  a  young 
American.     Communicating  with  the  prisoner  through  the  prison  surgeon,  the  two  fell  upon  his 
guards  while  Lafayette  was  taking  exercise  in  a  carriage,  and  succeeded  in  getting  him  away  on 
a  horse ;  but  he  rode  in  the   wrong  direction   and   was   recaptured.     Dr.    Bollman   escaped  to 
Prussia,  but  was  handed  over  to  the  Austrian  authorities,  who  kept  him   in   prison   for  nearly  a 
year,  and  then  released  him  on  condition  that   he   should  leave   the  country.     He   came  to  the 
United  States  and  was  well  received;  but  in  1806  was  implicated  in  Burr's  conspiracy.     He  was 
Burr's  agent  in  New  Orleans.     In  1814   he  returned   to    Europe,  and   after  another  visit  to  the 
United  States,  took  up  his  residence  in  London.     Burr  and  Bollman  corresponded  regularly  and 
were  firm  friends  to  the  last. 

6  Truly  a  beautiful  woman,  whose  husband  (mari)  is,  etc. 

7  For  theatre. 

8  Theatre  Phihsofhique.     Philosophical  Theatre. 

9  Probably  for  au  dire.     According  to  the  saying,  i.  «.,  as  they  call  it. 

10  The  Palace  Theatre. 

11  For  farterre.     On  the  Continent,  the  pit. 

317 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

There  is  a  place  assigned  for  les  courtisannes1.  The 
curtain  is  of  the  ornament  of  the  theatre  the  thing 
most  worthy  of  notice.  I  will  endeavor  to  get  a 
description  for  you.  It  is  about  the  size  of  that 
in  Philadelphia ;  but  in  every  part  of  the  house 
you  hear  distinctly.  I  saw  nothing  very  remark- 
able in  the  performers.  The  style  of  acting  a 
good  deal  like  that  in  England.  Staid  only  two 
acts,  having  engaged  to  go  to  the  Theatre  Philo- 
sophique  (sleight  of  hand).  Here  met  Madame  de 
Decken  and  la  belle  K.;  with  the  latter  went  home. 
The  tricks  and  sleight  of  hand  were  very  fatiguing  to 
me,  but  I  was  indemnified  by  the  ventriloquism.  I 
am  satisfied,  however,  that  it  is  an  acquirement,  an  art, 
and  not,  as  many  have  supposed,  a  natural  gift. 

1 8.  Coucbe  at  2.  Rose  at  8.  For  fear  of  another 
baking,  had  forbid  any  fire  to  be  made  till  I  should  be 
up  and  order  it.  At  10  came  in  Mr.  Palm.  He  has 
exactly  the  features,  the  profile,  and  character  of  coun- 
tenance of  John  Swartwout2,  about  his  height,  not  so 
lusty ;  more  blonde  ;  younger  by  ten  years.  Went 
at  ii  to  see  President  Patje  ;  out.  To  Menzzer's ; 
out.  Home.  Found  the  card  of  le  Conseiller  Feder. 
Visit  from  Commandant  le  General  St.  Simon,  very 
handsome  young  man.  From  Mr.  Meyer,  le  ministre 

I  For  la  courtisanes.  This  word  may  here  have  two  meanings;  ladies  of  the  court  or  cour- 
tesans. Burr  probably  refers  to  the  latter. 

2.  The  Swartwout  family  was  well  known  in  New  York.  Abraham  Swartwout  was  a  Revo- 
lutionary soldier.  His  son  Robert  (1788-1838)  became  a  Colonel  of  New  York  militia  and 
after  the  war  was  a  merchant  at  New  York.  He  wounded  Richard  Riker,  recorder  of  New 
York  city,  in  a  duel.  Another  son  of  Abraham,  Samuel  (1785-1856),  accompanied  Burr  in  his 
expedition  in  1805,  fought  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  afterward  became  a  merchant  in  New  York 
city.  He  was  a  captain  of  a  city  troop  called  the  Iron  Grays,  celebrated  by  the  poet  Halleck, 
and  was  appointed  collector  of  the  port  of  New  York  by  President  Jackson.  John  Swartwout, 
another  son,  was  a  Member  of  Assembly  in  1798-1799,  1800-1801,  and  1820-1821,  and  United 
States  Marshal  at  New  York  in  1801  and  1802,  while  Burr  was  Vice-President. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr  . 

de  police1.  Walked  out,  and  seeing  the  door  of  church 
open,  went  in.  Surcharged  with  gilding  and  ornament. 
Two  galleries.  The  panels  between  the  first  and 
second  gallery,  a  suite  of  paintings  ;  forty  or  fifty. 
Scripture  history.  Nothing  remarkable. 

Evening.  No,  indeed  !  Looking  at  my  watch, 
it  is  y^,  p.  i,  and,  therefore,  philosophically  speaking, 
Tuesday  morning.  Mr.  Palm  promised  to  call  on  me, 
and  I  waited  from  1  2  till  4,  but  he  came  not,  which  I 
very  greatly  regret.  Something  has  prevented,  for  I 
am  sure  he  wished  the  interview.  Took  hack  to  go 
to  dinner,  and  on  the  way  called  on  Menzzer.  Saw 
also  Madame,  but  la  belle  -  not  there.  Thence 
to  La  Salcette's.  There  were  three  French  ladies  and 
about  a  dozen  gentlemen,  of  whom  only  le  President 
Patje  appeared  to  me  to  be  German.  Le  Commandant 
was  there,  and  offered  me  letters,  which  I  very  gladly 
accepted,  particularly  one  for  Mayence.  Now,  if  you 
have  not  forgotten  your  geography,  that  would  tell 
you  where  I  am  going,  which  has  hitherto  been  kept 
secret.  At  that  moment  came  in  Mr.  Menzzer,  to 
give  me  my  ticket  for  the  diligence,  which  he  had 
procured  (and  now  it  occurs  that  he  must  have  paid 
for  it),  and  to  take  leave.  It  is  too  late  to  give  you 
an  account  of  the  party  at  Madame  Decken's,  or  to 
relate  the  affectionate  letter  and  present  of  caravan  tea 
received  this  afternoon  from  Mr.  Liining,  the  father. 
Mr.  Menzzer  tells  me  that  the  diligence  goes  at  5, 
and  that  he  will  send  a  servant  to  call  me  at  yz  p.  4. 
So  good  night,  or  morning. 


I     The  Minister  of  Police. 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Bronswig1,  December  19,  1809.  I  was  up  at  yz 
p.  4,  and  we  were  off  at  5.  As  I  got  into  the  dili- 
gence, saw  by  the  light  of  the  lamp  a  very  pretty 
youth,  apparently  17  or  18,  whom  but  for  the  dress  I 
should  have  supposed  a  girl.  Le  cavaL*  and  his  lover 
are  two  itinerant  musicians.  They  amused  me  much 
on  the  road.  At  parting,  each  of  them  slung  a  box 
on  the  back,  and  marched  off  chearful3  as  birds.  We 
arrived  at  1 1  this  evening.  We  have  been  very  indus- 
trious. Eighteen  hours  to  make  this  eight  miles.  The 
country  for  about  half  way  is  the  same  sandy  plain 
with  which  you  have  been  so  fatigued.  Then  less 
sandy,  and,  perhaps  a  little  more  fertile,  but  still  a  plain. 
Panet4  is  the  first  town  in  Westphalia ;  but  we  had  no 
visiles  of  douanniers*  nor  of  police-officers.  It  will  be 
matter  of  curiosity  to  you  to  see  a  bill  of  the  expenses 
of  this  mode  of  traveling,  say  for  the  eight  miles  : 

Bon-gro. 

Paid  at  Hanover,  I  don't  know  for  what,  to  the  wagen-meister6, 

4    bon-gros 4 

Douceur1,  now  established  by  law,  to  each  postillion,  4  bon-gros.; 

three    postillions, 12 

To  the  other  two  wagen-melsters,  2  bon-gros.  each,   ....  4 

Fare  of  passenger,  7  bon-gros.  German  mile, 56 

Breakfast,  coffee,  bread  and  butter, 7 

Luncheon  (bread,  butter,  cold  beef,  and  beer), 4 

Pipe  and  tobacco, i 

Bon-gros., 88 

Twenty-four  bon-gros.  to  a  dollar8  ;    88  bon-gros.  =  3  dollars 
and  1 6  bon-gros.,  or  3^/3  dollars. 

1  For  Braunschweig,  or  Brunswick. 

2  For  le  cavalier.     The  cavalier  or  gentleman. 

3  So  in  the  MS. 

4  For  Peine. 

5  Inspections  of  custom-house  officers  (douaniers). 

6  Wagon-master;  in  more  modern  parlance,  conductor. 

7  A  gift,  a  bribe. 

8  He  means  a  thaler,  which  was  about  three-fourths  of  an  American  dollar. 

320 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Saw  now  and  then  a  little  appearance  of  blue  hills, 
still  to  the  right.  We  seem  to  be  riding  parallel  to 

them.  Passed  through  the  burnt  village  of . 

Among  the  ruins  a  fine,  large,  ancient,  stone  Gothic 
church.  The  poor  people  are  very  busy  rebuilding. 
Walked  over  the  town  of  Panet.  Everything  looks 
old  and  decaying.  It  seems  to  have  been  formerly 

fortified,  at  least .  Lettre  de  L.  Menard  et  Co., 

a  Messrs.  Freres  Lobecke  et  Co.,  Brunswick1.  De 
Professor  Ebeling,  a  Herrn  Efats  rath  von  Zimmer- 
man1, Braunsweig.  Sent  the  above  with  my  card  chez 
Brendecke ;  also  lettre  de  C.  H.  Donner,  a  Mons. 
Conseiller  d'Etat  de  Zimmerman3,  Bronsvic. 

Evening,  /'.  e.,  y%  p.  12.  I  wrote  Zimmerman  a 
note  that  I  would  call  at  n,  and  went  with  it  myself 
at  10.  Sent  in  the  letters  and  card.  He,  hearing 
that  I  was  below,  invited  me  up,  and  I  sat  ^  hour. 
Mr.  Zimmerman  is  the  author  of  that  statistical 
account  of  Europe  which  you  have  seen.  He  wrote 
it  in  England  and  in  English.  Author,  also,  of  many 
things  which  you  have  not  seen,  but  which  you  will 
see.  He  is  about  72,  cheerful,  animated,  and  extremely 
frank ;  of  prepossessing  countenance  and  manners, 
simple  and  courteous.  Talking  on  American  affairs,  I 
happened  to  express  a  sentiment  not  usual.  He 
turned  to  one  of  his  books  and  read  me  the  same  idea. 


1  Letter  from  L.  Menard  &  Co.  to  Lobecke  Brothers  &  Co.  (Co.  for  comfagnie). 

2  [Letter]  from  Professor   Ebeling  to  State-Councilor  Von   Zimmerman.     This  was  Eber- 
hard  August  Wilhelm  von  Zimmerman  (1743-1815),  a  well  known  naturalist  and  philosopher  of 
Germany.     He  was  for  some  years  a  professor  at  the  Carolinum,  the  great  technical  high-school 
of  Brunswick.     He   published,  among   other  things, "  France  and   the   Free   States   of  North 
America  "  (1795),  and"  A  Political  Abstract  of  the  Present  State  of  Europe"  (1788).     The 
latter  work  was  in  French. 

3  Letter  of  C.   H.   Donner  to  State-Councilor    Von  Zimmerman.      Note  the  variation  in 
spelling  of  Brunswick,  the  German  name  of  which  is  Braunschweig. 

321 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

You  know  how  such  an  incident  advances  an  acquain- 
tance. Thence  to  the  Hotel  a"Angleterre\  where 
found  Hosack  and  Robinson.  We  were  very  glad  to 
meet.  Hosack  had  got  out  of  his  trouble.  Agreed 
to  dine  at  my  quarters.  Strolled  about  the  town. 
Went  into  St.  Michael's  and  another  church ;  both 
Gothic.  The  latter  has  a  splendid  and  beautiful  altar- 
piece.  Neither  of  them  very  large  ;  also  the  cloyster2 
(nunnery),  which  always  fills  me  with  the  most  painful 
reflections.  Returned  to  my  quarters,  and  while  we 
were  at  dinner  two  of  the  Lobeckes  came  in.  (Note: 
The  usual  dining  hour  in  this  place  is  i  o'clock.) 
One  of  them  invited  me  to  pass  the  evening  and  sup, 
and  seeing  my  two  friends,  whom  I  mentioned  as  my 
countrymen  and  companions,  he  invited  them  also.  At 
6  he  sent  his  carriage  for  me,  and  we  went.  He 

resides  with  his  father-in-law,  Mr. ,  the  Prefect3 

of  this  district,  being,  of  course,  the  first  in  point  of 
rank.  The  house  is  a  very  spacious  building,  on  the 
square  by  the  cloyster,  and  is  called  La  Prefecture. 
There  were  about  twenty-five  present,  and  nearly  an 
equal  number  of  either  sex.  Several  pretty  women. 

La  Veuve ,  very  handsome.    Madame  Lobecke, 

wife  of  the  elder  partner  of  the  house  (I  believe  uncle 
of  the  other),  is  the  handsomest  and  youngest  woman 
I  ever  saw  having  a  son  23  years  of  age.  On  the  first 
floor,  which  you  call  the  second  story,  there  were  a 
suite  of  four  large  rooms,  which  we  occupied.  Then 


I      The  English  Hotel. 

i     So  in  the  MS. 

3     The  title  in  French  is   Le  Pr'efet.     His  house  is  La  Prefecture. 


322 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

a  ballroom  about  sixty  or  seventy  feet  square,  and 
twenty  or  thirty  high,  finished  with  taste  and  expense, 
which  is  the  center  of  the  house.  Of  course,  the  same 
rooms  on  the  other  side.  The  company  were  easy 
and  social.  Cards,  conversation,  cakes,  lemonade, 
sangaree,  &c.  At  n,  hot  supper.  I  played  chess 
with  le  fils  de  Madame1,  &c.  Home  at  12. 

21.  Couche  2.     Rose  7.     At   10  came  in  Rob- 
inson ;  soon  after,  Hosack,  with  le  Baron  de  Schale, 
gouv.  du  Palais*.     He  proposed  to  go  with  me  to  the 
mint.     As  we  were  going  out,  met  Monsieur  Mercier, 
commissaire  general  de  la  haute  police  a   Bronsvig',  to 
make  a  visit.     He  agreed  to  join  and  walk  with  us. 
The    mint  is  not  a  very  large  establishment ;  about 
fifty  men  employed.     They  coin  for  their  neighbours, 
also.     Said  that  the  mines  of   Hartz  produce  about 

of  silver  annually.     Got  sample  of  their  small 

silver  coins,  new  and  shining,  to  add  to  Gamp's  collec- 
tion.     The    Baron    left   us    at   the    mint.       Mercier 
walked  about  with  me.      I  like  him  much.     At  3  de 
Zimmerman  came  to  take  me  to  dine,  and  he  had  had 
the  politeness  to  invite,  also,  Hosack  and  Robinson. 
It  was  at  a  restaurateur V  that  we  dined.     T:     Profes- 
sors   Emperius    et    de    Florincourt,    both    speaking 
English ;    very    intelligent.     Hosack    and    Robinson 
went  off  at  6  to  go  to  the  concert.    I  sat  till  9.    Much 
conversation  on  American  and  German  affairs. 

22.  Couche  2.     Lev.  7.     Sor.  at  10  to  Zimmer- 


1  Madame's  son. 

2  For  Gouverneur  du  Palais.     Governor  of  the  Palace. 

3  Commissary  General  of  the  High  (the  Correctional)  Police  at  Brunswick. 

4  Keeper  of  a  restaurant. 


Private     journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

man's.  To  Mercier's,  who  engaged  me  to  dine 
to-day.  To  Baron  de  Schale's  where  introduced  to 
M'lle  la  Bar.1.,  a  pretty,  genteel,  amiable  girl.  To 
museum  by  appointment  with  Emperius,  who  has  the 
charge  of  it.  Mr.  Denon  had  taken  to  Paris  some  of 
the  most  curious  articles  ;  but  much  remains.  Several 
heads,  real  antiques,  Grecian  and  Roman.  Collection 
from  Herculaneum.  Ditto  from  Egypt;  amulets. 
Called  at  the  Prefect's  ;  being  near  2  they  were  at 
dinner ;  left  card.  Strolled  an  hour.  At  3  to  Zim- 
merman's. Home  at  4.  Took  coach  to  go  to  dine 
with  Mercier  at  5.  T:  Mr.  d'Escalonne,  confr  des 
pastes*,  and  Dr.  Valentine,  (emig}}.  Burgundy  and 
champagne.  Off  at  8.  Mr.  M.  would  attend  me. 
On  the  way  muse.  Tres  bien."1  At  9  came  in  Robin- 
son and  sat  till  1 1 .  Engaged  to  breakfast  with 
Mercier.  Costume  of  the  paysans  a  very  long  white 
coat  of  canvas  (sail  duck),  lined  with  red  flannel  ; 
waistcoat  various  colours,  generally  striped,  red  and 
green  predominant ;  large  hat,  cocked  before  and 
flapped  behind.  Women — The  cap  generally  white, 
close  to  the  head  on  the  back,  reaching  not  quite  to 
the  ears ;  huge  baskets,  not  like  the  pretty  little 
Altona  baskets.  No  public  women,  but  great  plenty 
who  grant  favors  a  bon  marched.  After  leaving  the 
mint  Mr.  Mercier  went  with  us  to  the  lacquered  ware 
manufactory  of  .  The  most  famous  in  all 


I  La  Baronne. 

1  For  controleur  des  pastes.     Controller  of  the  postal  service. 

3  For  emigre.     Emigrant. 

4  On  the  way,  muse.     Splendid. 

5  For  a  bon  marchi.     Cheap. 


324 


Private    y  ourn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Europe  for  that  ware.  He  has  upwards  of  twenty 
painters  employed.  Am  very  sorry  that  I  cannot  stay 
here  long  enough  to  get  your  picture  put  on  a  small 
box,  for  here  are  artists  of  the  first  merit. 

Bronswig1,  December  23,  1809.  Couche  ^  p.  i. 
Lev.  7.  At  y2  p.  i  o  to  Mercier's  to  breakfast  a  la 
fourchette*;  fearing  there  would  be  only  wine  and  meat, 
took  coffee  before  I  went.  T:  Dr.  Valentine,  Mr. 
d'Escalonne,  controleur  des  postes,  and  a  young  man 
supposed  commis*  de  Mercier.  Home  at  12,  when 
Dr.  Zimmerman  came  in  and  sat  ^  hour.  Story  of 
Archentloiz,  a  gambler  and  swindler.  His  fraud  on 
Baron  Berkley  of  Zurich,  for  which  the  Baron, 
Archentloiz,  et  sa  demirep*  put  in  prison  at  Berlin. 
Robinson  sat  with  us.  Received  note  from  Mercier 
that  the  gentlemen  proposed  for  comp.  de  voyage*  for 
me  to  Cassel  had  made  a  different  arrangement.  Thus 
I  am  condemned  either  to  wait  till  Monday  night  for 
the  diligence  or  to  take  Post  Extra6.  Saturday  night 
— Since  writing  the  above  which  was  at  about  2  P. 
M.,  I  have  been  deliberating  on  the  important  point 
just  mentioned  and  have  at  length  resolved  once  more 
to  submit  to  the  horrors  of  post  extra  tout  seul1  as  far, 
at  least,  as  Gottingen.  As  usual,  therefore,  I  have 
everything  to  do,  everything  to  pack  up,  the  most 
dire  of  all  labors,  and  twenty  letters  to  write,  having 
not  yet  begun.  Have  been  employed  as  follows : 

1  For  Braunschweig.     Brunswick. 

2  A  dejeuner  a  la  fourchette  is  a  meat  breakfast,  at  which  forks  must  be  used. 
}     Clerk. 

4  And    his  woman    of  questionable  chastity.     (Demi-ref  from    demi   and    refutation.     The 
English  word  demirep  is  similarly  formed.) 

5  For  comfagnon  de  vojage.     Traveling  companion. 
\  private  conveyance  at  greater  expense. 

7     Entirely  alone. 

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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

At  3  to  Zimmerman's  by  appointment.  (Note  :  Took 
no  dinner,  my  breakfast  a  la  fourchette  sufficing);  sat 
an  hour  with  Zim.  He  is  a  most  interesting  man  ; 
at  the  age  of  71  he  has  the  animation,  the  ardor,  and 
the  sensibility  of  youth,  replete  with  science  and  a 
mind  really  vigorous  and  correct ;  withal,  frankness 
and  cheerfulness  which  render  him  a  very  interesting 
social  companion  ;  would  have  staid  longer  but  had 
engaged  to  meet  Robinson  and  Hosack  at  ^  p.  4. 
R.  and  H.  came  and  with  them  Zimmerman  fils1. 
They  all  sat  more  than  an  hour  and  till  I  wished  them 
gone,  as  I  expected  Mercier  at  6,  but  the  young 
Zimmerman  entertained  us  very  much  with  anecdotes 
of  various  personages.  The  Duke  of  Brunswick ; 
Captain  Helvig,  son  of  the  Professor  of  this  place ; 
of  the  late  Dr.  Zimmerman,  author  of  "Solitude1"  &c. 
He  died  insane  at  Hanover ;  his  son  is  now  mad ; 
my  friend  here  is  no  relation,  or  a  very  distant.  At  6 
came  in  Mercier ;  he  is  native  of  the  island  of  Mar- 
tinique ;  educated  in  Philadelphia  ;  has  served  eleven 
years  in  the  French  armies  ;  is  here  commiss.  gen.  de  la 
haute  •police^;  does  not  look  more  than  30,  has  a  wife, 
francoise,  alifee4,  and  supposed  incurable.  While  we 
were  talking,  Zimmerman  le  pere*  came  in  to  bring  me 
letter  for  a  friend  of  his  in  Weimar  (you  will  find  out 
presently  all  where  I  am  going,  which  I  did  not 
intend);  these  two  men,  though  living  in  the  same 
town,  had  never  before  met.  Zimmerman  lives 


1  The  younger  Zimmerman. 

2  Same  meaning  as  in  English. 
J  For  commiuaire  general,  etc. 

4  A  French  lady  (Fran^aise).     Bedridden  (.alit'ee). 

5  The  elder  Zimmerman. 


326 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

retired,  continually  writing.  He  went  off  and  left 
Mercier,  who  sat  till  9.  Gave  me  two  letters  to  his 
friends  at  Cassel.  There  is  rumor  that  the  King  will 
not  be  there  till  the  3Oth,  though  he  had  appointed 
the  25th.  The  incident  of  the  breakfaster,  who  called 
while  Mercier  was  here. 

Gottingen,  December  25,  1809,  (Monday).  I 
was  too  busy  yesterday  to  write  you  a  line  and  we 
must  therefore  go  back  to  Sunday  morning.  I  rose 
at  7.  At  yz  p.  9  went  to  Mercier  to  prevent  his 
calling  on  me.  He  had  already  got  out  and  gone  to 
my  lodgings.  Fortunately  we  met  in  the  street  and 
he  came  home  with  me.  Sor.  again  to  Baron  de 
Schale ;  out,  but  my  servant  and  pilot  who  spoke 
only  German,  hearing  me  also  ask  for  M'lle  la  Baronne, 
brought  her  pell-mell  down  stairs  into  the  court  in 
dishabille1  and  to  see,  she  knew  not  whom  nor  for 
what.  Went  up  and  sat  ^  hour  with  M'lle,  a  very 
pleasing,  pretty,  amiable  personne1.  Thence  to 
Lobecke's.  He  had  gone  that  day  to  Cassel,  but  saw 
the  beau  per e*  le  prefect4.  Thence  to  Zimmerman's, 
where  y%  hour ;  he  gave  me  a  letter  for  the  celebrated 

astronomer,  Mr. .     Home  and  met  going  in 

to  see  me  Mr.  d'Escalonne,  Finspecteur  des  pastes5. 
He  had  got  me  a  carriage,  that  of  Monsieur  Otto, 
rinspecteur  General  des  Pastes6  de  Westphalia,  and 
would  take  me  with  him  to  see  Mr.  O.  Went  and 


1  A  word  anglicized  from  the  French  deshabille,  in  undress. 

2  Person. 

j  For  beau-fere.     Father-in-law. 

4  If  Burr  meant  this  for  a  French  word  he  should  have  spelled  it  frefet. 

5  D'Escalonne  is  called  both  controleur  (controller)  and  insfecteur  (inspector). 

6  Inspector  General  of  the  mails,  «'.  «.,  Postmaster-General. 

327 


Private     journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

found  him  and  his  wife,  an  English  woman,  a  very 
sprightly,  charming  Yorkshire  girl.  They  begged  me 
to  take  breakfast  with  them,  a  la  fourchette,  at  ^  p. 
i  ;  agreed.  Mercier  came  in  and  walked  home  with 
me.  Talked  of  X  matters  and  thinks  the  moment 
favorable.  Home.  Wrote  Menard  &  Prathes,  the 
booksellers  at  Hamburg ;  also  a  note  to  Robinson  to 
tell  him  to  call  at  3.  To  breakfast  at  the  Hotel  Roi 
de  Prusse*  (Natalis).  Sat  down  at  2.  Three  courses 
of  meat,  variety  of  wines  and  coffee.  It  was  to  me 
exceedingly  like  dinner,  having  breakfasted  at  8.  T  : 
d'Escalonne,  Mercier,  and  Mr.  O.  Sat  till  4,  all  very 
gay  ;  all  talking  English  except  Escalonne.  A  good 
deal  of  X  again.  All  want  a  hand.  Monsieur  O. 
gave  me  a  circular  letter  to  all  the  postmasters  on  the 
road ;  something  to  expedite  me ;  being  in  German, 
I  could  not  read  it,  but  it  made  the  postmasters  amaz- 
ingly active  and  civil ;  every  one  after  reading  it  made 
me  a  most  profound  bow.  Got  home  a  little  past  4. 
On  the  way  met  M'lle  la  Earonne  and  walked  with  her. 
Found  Hosack  and  Robinson  at  my  quarters  and  they 
helped  me  pack  up.  The  horses  came  before  I  was 
ready,  punctually  at  5  as  I  had  ordered,  with  the 
handsome  carriage  of  Mons.  O.  Off  at  6  and  arrived 
here  about  noon  this  25th  of  December,  being  Christ- 
mas day.  The  first  three  miles  flat  as  before ;  then 
more  and  more  hilly,  better  settled  and  cultivated. 
Nothing  very  remarkable  except  about  one  mile  back 
saw  on  a  hill  the  ruins  of  a  romantic  castle  on  the 
summit  of  a  hill  on  my  left ;  find  on  inquiring  of 

I     The  King  of  Prussia  Hotel. 

328 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Professor that  it  is  one  of  those  enchanted 

castles   where   was   held  in   durance  a  lady  who  was 

finally  delivered  by  the  valiant  knight,  R .     I 

regret  exceedingly  for  your  sake  that  I  did  not  go  to 
see  it ;  you  do  so  love  enchanted  castles  !  One  of  the 
towers  is  almost  entire  and  is  very  lofty.  The  distance 
from  Braunschweig  (all  these  different  spellings  are 
from  authority)  to  this  place  is  about  fifty  English 
miles.  The  road  very  bad,  though  the  greater  part 
of  the  way  cbausse1  (turnpike).  Immediately  on  my 
arrival  sent  my  two  letters  to  the  Professors  Heeren2 
and  Gaus  with  my  card.  Monsieur  H.  came  in  almost 
immediately  and  found  me  dressing ;  agreed  to  call  in 
an  hour,  which  he  did.  Walked  to  Professor  Gaus, 
r astronome  tres  celebre ;  un  juenhomme  •peut-etre  25  to 
32'.  Will  relate  to  you  an  anecdote  of  his  history 
very  honorable  to  him  and  to  Zimmerman,  who  dis- 
covered him.  To  the  Observatory.  The  largest 
telescope  is  about  ten  feet  long  and  one  diameter. 
The  observatory  is  one  of  the  castles  (rotundas)  of  the 
old  walls ;  thence  to  the  library,  200,000  volumes. 
Took  tea  with  Professor  Heeren.  Home  at  6. 
Took  tea  again  and  have  ordered  my  horses  for  4 
to-morrow  morning.  Snowed  all  yesterday  and  till 
near  noon  to-day ;  not  fast ;  now  chiefly  melted ; 
only  evidence,  the  cold  and  the  mud ;  was  very  chilly 


I     For  chaussie.     Same  in  meaning  as  causeway,  with  which  it  is  connected  philologically. 

t,  Arnold  Hermann  Louis  Heeren  (1760-1842).  German  historian  and  scholar,  who  lectured 
on  philosophy  at  Gbttingen. 

J  The  very  famous  astronomer;  a  young  man  (jeune  homme)  perhaps  25  to  jz.  Karl  Fried- 
rich  Gausz  (1777-1855)  was  director  of  the  Gbttingen  Observatory  from  1807  to  his  death.  He 
published  numerous  works  well  known  to  mathematicians  and  astronomers  all  over  the  world. 
He  was  also  one  of  the  pioneers  in  the  study  of  magnetism  and  electricity,  and  one  of  the  dis- 
coverers of  the  electric  telegraph. 

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Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

last  night,  so  resolve  to  take  a  sleep  to-night.  Five 
hundred  students  here. 

Cassel,  December  26,  1809.  Now  capital  of  the 
kingdom  of  Westphalia.  Notwithstanding  my  resolu- 
tions, did  not  get  to  bed  till  1 1  last  night.  At  4  was 
waked,  but  so  imperfectly  that  I  turned  over  and  slept 
till  5.  It  had  been  snowing  all  night  and  there  are 
three  or  four  inches  of  snow  on  the  ground,  which 
makes  the  traveling  even  more  tedious  than  usual. 
Snowed  hard,  always  wind  ahead  on  land.  Was  glad 
to  keep  myself  close  ;  scarcely  looked  out  till  we  got 
to  the  end  of  our  first  stage,  three  miles  (sixteen 
English).  Miinden  is  at  the  confluence  of  the  Werts1 
and  the  Fulda,  which  together  form  the  Weser.  As 
you  approach  Miinden,  the  north  banks  of  the  Weser 
become  very  high.  I  should  suppose  300  feet,  and 
very  steep.  A  road  for  some  hundred  yards  is  cut  in 
the  side  of  the  mountain.  To  your  right  a  ridge  and 
a  fine  view  of  the  river  and  town,  which  has  the 

appearance   of  great  antiquity  and  may  have 

inhabitants.  Cross  the  Werts  on  a  very  solid  stone 
bridge.  Stopped  at  the  post-house,  where  were  several 
pretty  children  and  two  pretty  and  genteel-looking 
girls.  The  youngest  about  16,  Louisa,  tall,  graceful, 
had  just  received  cudof,  a  very  handsome  guitarre3,  but 
I  could  not  persuade  [her]  to  give  me  a  tune.  Got 
breakfast  and  off  at  12,  having  been  detained  an  hour 
to  get  my  carriage  mended.  On  leaving  Miinden  you 
have  the  Fulda  on  your  right  and  a  like  mountain  on 


1  For  Werra. 

2  For  cadeau.     Present. 
}     For  guitare.     Guitar. 


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the  left,  into  which  a  road  is  cut  as  before.  This  hill 
is  cut  into  walks  and  laid  out  into  whimsical  gardens 
to  the  very  top,  within  ^  English  mile  or  more  of 
the  town.  There  you  leave  the  river  and  ascend  by  a 
gentle  acclivity.  It  appeared  to  me  to  be  an  English 
mile  from  the  bottom  to  the  top  of  the  hill.  Much 
such  an  one  as  that  you  rise  in  coming  from  Fishkill 
to  Peekskill.  Woods  on  each  side  till  you  approach 
the  summit,  which  is  a  plain  whereon  is  a  village  and 
church.  After  rising  and  descending  several  consid- 
erable hills,  you  open  at  once  on  an  extensive  valley 
surrounded  by  mountains,  the  Fulda  winding  through 
the  valley,  and  in  the  center  of  it  Cassel,  of  which  you 
have  a  perfect  bird's-eye  view,  being,  I  should  sup- 
pose, 200  feet  above  it.  From  the  first  view  of  Cassel 
till  you  reach  it  may  be  about  two  English  miles, 
following  the  road.  The  approaches  are  extremely 
picturesque.  Cross  the  Fulda  on  a  very  handsome 
stone  bridge.  At  3  I  was  put  down  at  the  Hotel  de 
Westphalie1  where  I  have  an  indifferent  room  and  a 
prospect  of  bad  attendance.  Rising  that  long  hill  we 
overtook  a  very  old  man  evidently  exhausted  by  the 
storm  and  the  fatigue,  with  a  younger  one  (about  30) 
by  his  side,  aiding  him.  The  young  man  addressed 
himself  to  the  postillion  to  ask  a  place  for  the  patri- 
arch. The  postillion  referred  him  to  me.  The  young 
man  turned  to  me,  made  me  a  speech  with  an  accent 
the  most  pathetic  and  a  countenance  full  of  sweetness 
and  solicitude.  The  pantomime  was  eloquent,  for  I 
understood  not  a  word,  though  every  syllable  was 

I     The  Westphalia  Hotel. 

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Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

perfectly  intelligible.  The  old  man  cast  a  pensive 
look  of  humble  expectation.  I  did  not  wait  to  hear 
out  the  speech.  The  drama  spoke  most  feelingly. 
We  all  assisted  the  old  man  to  get  in  and  we  put  him 
down  at  the  door  of  a  decent  house  in  the  village. 
Three  comely  young  women  ran  out  in  all  the  snow 
and  seemed  to  strive  for  the  first  embrace.  An  old 
woman  at  the  window  partook  of  the  joy  of  his  return. 
He  told  them  that  he  was  indebted  to  me  and  I  had 
an  hundred  curtsies  and  bedanke  mick's1,  and  might, 
if  I  had  [got]  out,  have  had  as  many  kisses.  I  never 
saw  the  scene  half  as  well  acted  on  any  stage.  That 
man,  thought  I,  has  lived  happy  and  will  die  happy. 
While  dressing,  sent  out  my  letters  (with  cards)  to  the 
following  :  From  Mercier  to  :  Le  Comte  de  Fursten- 
stein  (formerly  Camus2,  who  was  with  the  King 
(Jerome),  in  United  States),  now  prem.  min.  d'etat1;  a 
Mons.  de  Bercagny,  prefet  de  police*",  a  Mon.  Alleye, 
employee  dans  le  depart,  d'af.  Etrang5.  From  General 
St.  Simon  at  Hanover  :  To  le  Col.  Wolff,  Chev.  &c., 
Cornt  le  cbev.  leg.  du  Garde  Royale6.  From  Professor 
Zimmerman  (or  his  son  ne  seals  lequel7},  to  le  Baron 

de   Nordenflycht,  &c.,  &c.     From ,  charge  des 

affaires  de  S.  M.  le  R.  de  Suede  a  Han.8  to  le  Comte  de 
Levenhjelm,  with  three  lines  of  titles.  Enough  surely 

1  The  Germans  say  Ich  bedanke  mich.     I  thank  you. 

2  The  word  camus  is  a  French  word  meaning  flat-nosed.     It  may  have   been  a  sobriquet  of 
Count  Furstenstein.  , 

3  For  Premier  Ministre  d'Etat.     Prime  minister. 

4  Police  prefect.  , 

5  For   employe    dans    le    Departement  des  Affaires  Etrangeres.     Employed    in  the   Foreign 
Office. 

6  For  Chevalier,  etc.        Commandant  le  Chevalier  de  la  Legion  de  la  Garde  Royale,      Knight 
&c.     Commanding  Knight  of  the  Legion  of  the  Royal  Guard. 

7  For  ne  tats  lequel.     1  do  not  know  which. 

8  For  Charge  d' 'affaires  de  Sa  Majest'e  le  Rot  de  Suede  a  Hanovre.      Charge"  d'affaires  of  His 
Majesty  the  King  of  Sweden  at  Hanover. 


Private    y  o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

for  the  four  days  I  have  allotted  to  this  place.  There 
was  no  theatre  open  at  Bronsvig.  Here  is  both  a 
French  and  a  German,  there  being  an  opera  at  the 
French  to-night.  I  am  going  to  take  a  seat  incog,  in 
the  "Paterre  Noble"1.  The  theatre  is  small  but  very 
beautiful.  The  King's  boxes,  crimson  and  gold  ;  gilt 
lattices.  The  house  lighted  by  a  lustre  suspended 
from  the  middle  of  the  ceiling  containing  forty  argand 
lamps.  The  auditors  may  see  each  other  very  dis- 
tinctly. There  was  not  a  performer  remarkable  for 
beauty  or  voice  or  diction.  M'lle  Deletre,  much  in 
the  style  of  Mrs.  Johnson,  but  more  animated,  the 
best.  Got  near  a  sensible,  convenable1  man.  Upon 
the  whole  was  much  amused  and  got  the  worth  of  my 
1 6  bon-gros. — exactly  half  a  dollar,  which  is  the 
highest  price  for  any  seat  in  the  house.  The  bill  is 
enclosed  to  save  me  the  trouble  of  answering  a  dozen 
questions.  The  orchestra  good,  about  thirty  perform- 
ers. The  whole  house  (four  rows  of  boxes)  may  be 
able  to  contain  600  or  800.  Did  not  see  a  single 
striking  face,  (though  there  might  have  been  fifty 
which  I  did  not  see).  The  side  boxes  not  brilliant. 
The  King  not  arrived.  The  convocation  of  the  states 
postponed  till  the  loth  of  January.  Won't  stay  here, 
that's  pos.  Zimmerman  fond  of  cats. 

27.  Couche  i.  Rose  8.  Off"  before  breakfast  to 
the  stage  house  (post-house)  to  see  about  the  ways 
and  means  of  getting  off,  whither  I  have  not  told  you. 
Well,  now  I'll  tell  you.  To  Gotha  and  Weimar. 

I     For  Parterre  del  Nobles.     The  nobles'  pit. 
1     Agreeable. 

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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

And  for  what  ?  Aye,  that  you'll  know  when  I  get 
there  !  A  diligence  goes  at  i  P.  M.  Friday,  the  29th, 
the  day  after  to-morrow.  In  that  I  go.  No  more 
extra  post.  After  breakfast  called  on  Mr.  Mylart  with 

my  letter  of  credit  for  the  enormous  sum  of . 

No  matter!  It  shall  carry  me  to  Paris  happy.  Then 
took  coach  and  went  to  see  the  celebrated  Palace  of 

,  now  called  Napoleon  Hohe.1     Went  through 

the  buildings.  The  main  building  all  new  furnished 
from  Paris  ;  the  right  wing  with  the  furniture  of  the 
late  Prince.  The  old  Palace,  higher  up  the  mountain, 
mod.2  ruins,  with  ancient  arms  and  furniture  of  the 
Middle  Ages.  Had  not  time  to  go  to  see  Hercules 
on  the  top  of  the  mountain',  nor  the  immense  oran- 
gerie4.  Two  statues  and  two  pictures  of  the  King,  not 
one  of  the  Queen.  The  maitre,  keeper,  or  •prem.- 
valet*  who  shows  the  house,  was  in  the  same  capacity 
to  the  expelled  Prince.  Much  like  a  gentleman. 
Amused  me  greatly.  The  bedrooms  ;  the  Cyprian 
alcove  lined  with  mirrors ;  not,  however,  for  her 
Majesty  to  see  her  royal  face.  Home  at  3.  Paid  2 
dollars  to  one  and  i  dollar  to  another  (shewer)6  at  the 
two  Palaces.  Instead  of  dinner  walked  out  to  see  the 
town.  It  is  really  unique  in  many  particulars.  I  will 
endeavor  to  buy  some  tableau1 \  for  I  am  bad  at 
description,  nor  is  it  possible  to  afford  the  time. 


1  Height.     (It  is  in  more  modern  times  known  as  Wilhelmshbhe.) 

2  Modern  f 

3  An  immense  statue  of  Hercules  rises  from  the  castle  on  the  height. 

4  Orangery. 

5  The  master,  keeper  or  chief  valet  {premier  valet). 

6  The  form  shewer  is  archaic  for  shower,  one  who  shows. 

7  A  picture  or  picturesque  representation.     (Should  be  the  plural,  tableaux.') 


334 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Bought  bru*  Home  at  5  and  had  tea.  Gave  up  the 
opera  that  I  might  write  to  you  and  make  notes. 
Only  think,  not  one  of  my  cards  returned,  nor  any 
message  !  A  gentleman  in  regimentals  (a  sub.1)  has 
called  and  inquired  for  me,  but  left  neither  message  nor 
card  !  Mon'r  said  :  "  Je  suis  trop  *  *  *  *  dav.  vu 
un  om.  lab."*  Streets  badly  lighted.  At  Bronswig 
not  at  all.  No  trottoir4  anywhere.  Dit  iq^ooo  habit.* 
in  Cassel.  Are  building  a  new  penitentiary  and  work- 
house here.  What  pity  they  know  nothing  of 
Panopticon6 !  Snowing  all  day  and  about  six  inches 
on  the  ground.  These  mountains  are  parts  of  the 
Hartz,  of  which  Bruken  or  Broken7,  famed  in  legend, 
is  the  highest,  about  the  height  of  our  Alleghanies. 
The  Giant's  Mountain,  another  of  Hartz. 

28.  Couche  12.  Rose  */2  p.  7.  Mr.  de  Mar- 
tens8, celebrated  as  the  author  of  a  book  on  the  law  of 
nations,  "  Relations  Exterieures"9,  being  the  only  man 
in  this  place  whom  I  had  any  real  wish  to  see,  sent 
him  my  card  with  a  message  that  I  should  call  on  him 
at  any  hour  he  would  be  at  leisure  in  the  forenoon. 
Replied  that  he  would  be  happy  to  see  me  from  1 1  to 


1  Burr  seems  to  be  still  using  the  Swedish  word  for  bread,  but  it  should  be  spelled  brad. 

2  For  subaltern  ! 

J     Possibly  for  "  Je  suit  trof     *     *     *     *     d? avoir  vu  un  homme  laboricux."     "  I  am  too 
[happy  ?]  to  have  seen  a  laborious  man." 

4  Sidewalk. 

5  For  habitants.     Residents.     Said  [to  have]  19,000  residents. 

6  Referring  again  to  Bentham's  work,  which  discusses  the  question   of  what  to  do  with  con- 
victs, how  to  make  them  useful. 

7  For  Brocken. 

8  Probably  Georg  Friedrich  von   Martens,  born  at    Hamburg  in   1756,  died  at   Frankfort-on- 
the-Main,  i8zi ;  a  German  publicist  and  diplomatist ;  he   became  professor  of    law   at    Gbttin- 
gen  in  1784. 

9  This  was  a  work  in  three  volumes  published  at  Berlin  in  1801.     Its  full  title  was  :   "  Court 
Diflomatique  ou  Tableau  des  Relations  Exterieures  des  Puissances  de  /' Eurofe."    "  The  Course 
of  Diplomacy  or  a  Picture  of  the  External  Relations  of  the  Powers  of  Europe." 


335 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

12.  Sor.  10  to  Mylart's  about  money.  He  appointed 
to  call  on  me  at  2.  To  several  booksellers  to  get 
map  and  tableau  of  Cassel.  Bought  you  a  beautiful 
map  of  the  Napoleon  Hohe  and  its  environs,  for 
which  paid  the  enormous  price  of  i  ^  dollars.  The 
bookstores  here  are  humble  things.  Thence  to  the 
post-house  again  to  be  sure  of  the  diligence.  The 
man  put  me  quite  in  a  fever  by  telling  me  that  it  had 
just  gone  !  Only  think  of  the  horrid  alternative  of 
waiting  here  a  week  or  taking  post  extra  for  fifteen 
German  miles !  It  put  me  quite  out  of  breath. 
Fortunately  the  man  was  mistaken.  The  diligence 
goes  at  3  P.  M.  to-morrow.  At  12  to  Mr.  de 
Martens.  A  tall,  handsome  man  about  42.  Dark 
hair  and  eyes ;  very  sprightly  in  his  manner. 
Received  me  with  very  great  politeness  and  thanked 
me  over  and  over  again.  Expressed  great  regret  at 
my  determination  to  leave  town  to-morrow.  Home 
at  i.  Read  Moniteur  de  Westyhalie*  till  2.  Diner  a  tab 
(fhote1.  Of  six  at  table  not  one  who  could  speak 
French.  A  very  young  professor  from  Koningsburg3 
was  the  only  one  whose  countenance  strongly  invited 
acquaintance.  At  3  (Mylart  not  coming)  sent  again 
to  the  post-house  and  actually  paid  for  a  seat  in  the 
diligence  so  that  you  will  no  longer  dare  to  doubt 
whether  I  go  to-morrow.  To  convince  you,  huzzy, 
here  is  the  ticket !  On  my  way  home  with  my  High 
Dutch  valet  for  pilot  and  counsel,  muse,  tres  bo*;  i  ^ 

1  The  Westphalia  "  Monitor." 

2  For  diner  a  [la]  table  d'hote. 

3  For  KSnigsberg. 

4  For  Muse,     fris  bonne.     Muse,  very  good. 

336 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

marks.  Oh,  I  forgot  to  tell  my  dear  little  Gampy1 ; 
he  would  have  jumped  out  of  his  skin  to  see  it ;  such 
a  family  and  such  music,  bnt  I  must  give  him  the  par- 
ticulars. The  principal  personages  were  :  i,  a  jackass; 
2,  two  monkeys  dressed  in  regimentals,  one  in  green, 
the  other  in  scarlet  53,  an  enormous  bear ;  4, 
drummer  and  bagpiper.  But  they  did  dance  in 
such  a  style,  and  the  monkeys  played  so  many 
tricks  to  the  poor  bear  and  Herrz  Bear  did  so 
growl  and  Gamp  did  so  laugh,  but  I'll  tell  him 
all  about  it  next  time.  Yesterday  I  must  have  been 
possessed  by  the  devil.  A  pretty  little  girl  about 
15  years  old  came  into  my  room  with  a  little 
guitarre  in  her  hand  and  muttering  a  few  words  in 
German  began  to  sing  and  play.  Could  you  imagine 
anything  more  calculated  to  fascinate  me  ?  I  drove 
her  rudely  out !  To  be  sure,  I  did  give  her  a  gooden- 
grosheri*,  which  was  probably  much  more  than  she 
expected ;  but  I  was  unkind.  One  minute  after,  I 
was  sorry  and  sent  for  her,  but  she  was  not  to  be 
found  ;  and  I  have  been  all  day  looking  out  for  her 
in  vain.  There  are  troops  of  these  singers  and  players 
of  all  ages  and  sexes.  Several  of  them  have  amused 
me  very  much.  One  in  particular,  a  girl  of  about  n, 
has  a  very  fine  voice  which  she  accompanies  with  her 
violin  in  a  charming  style.  Have  a  great  mind  to 
bring  her  out  to  United  States  for  you.  She  will 
teach  Gam'y  German  and  would  presently  serve  him 

I     Meaning  his  grandson.     Notice  the  extraordinary  manner  in  which  Burr  throws  in  a  refer- 
ence to  one  of  his  amorous  escapades  between  a  remark  to  his  daughter  and  one  to  his  grandson  ! 
z     Mr.  Bear. 
3     For  G«t«n-groschen.     Good  groschen. 

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Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

other  purposes.  She  is  quite  decently  dressed  but,  as 
all  the  girls  of  the  lower  order  are  here,  bareheaded  ; 
snowing  all  the  while  and  very  cold,  yet  playing  out 
doors  and  of  course  without  a  glove.  She  must  be  as 
tough  as  a  little  white  bear.  I  will  bring  her  out  for 
little  Gamp.  I  am  to-day  more  civil  to  all  these  little 
creatures  to  atone  for  the  barbarity  of  yesterday.  How 
truly  English  that  was  !  Not  a  visit  from  any  one  of 
my  six  addressees.  Tant  mieux.  I  have  seen  de  M. 
and  all  I  wish  to  see,  and  shall  get  off  the  sooner  and 
henceforth  you  will  see  fewer  delays.  Ecoutez1.  At 
Gottingen  Professor  Heeren  told  me  two  very  impor- 
tant articles  of  news.  First,  the  divorce  of  Emperor 
and  Empress,  the  manner  of  it  is  noble  and  worthy  of 
him ;  second,  the  Emperor's  assent  to  the  independ- 
ence of  Mexico  and  the  other  Spanish  colonies  !  Now, 
why  the  devil  didn't  he  tell  me  of  this  two  years  ago  ? 
Bischausen  (four  miles  west  from  Cassel),  Decem- 
ber 30,  1809.  Saturday.  Sat  up  till  2  on  Thursday 
night  pretending  to  write  and  get  ready  for  setting  off 
on  Friday.  Rose  at  8.  At  9  sent  to  Myart,  who 
came  over  with  23  Fred,  d'ors*  which  I  had  agreed  to 
take.  Deus  nobis  h<ec  otiafeciP.  At  n  received  card 
of  Mons.  Alleye,  who  sent  word  that  he  had  not  sooner 
been  able  to  find  me,  as  my  card  was  Brendecke's, 
Bronsvig,  instead  of  my  Cassel  address.  At  12  came 
in  de  Martens  and  sat  ^  hour.  He  offered  many 
allurements  to  change  my  determination  of  leaving 

1  Listen. 

2  A  Prussian  Friedrich  d'or  was  a  gold  coin  worth  about  $4. 

3  God  made  this  leisure  for  us.     (Quoted  from  Vergil's  first  Eclogue.) 

338 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

town.  The  most  powerful,  which,  indeed,  made  me 
hesitate,  was  his  conversation.  He  resembles  Gallatin 
with  more  of  fashion  and  animation,  and  something 
younger.  Happening  to  mention  the  resemblance,  it 
came  out  that  his  belle-mere1  was  born  Gallatin  and 
genevoise.  Mr.  de  M.  is  Hambourgeois  by  birth.  At 
2  came  in  Bercagny,  la  com.  gen1 1  de  police.  I  was  in 
my  traveling  costume,  my  trunks  packed  and  ready. 
He  apologized  over  and  over  again  for  the  delay  of 
his  visit  (business  was  the  burthen  of  it),  asked  me  to 
dine,  proposed  various  parties.  It  was  too  late,  I  had 
really  determined  to  go.  Mr.  Bercagny  is  a  very  gay, 
cheerful  man  of  about  40  ;  looks  too  good-tempered 
for  his  office.  He  sat  till  I  wished  him  gone  and  gave 
signs  of  impatience,  for  I  feared  to  lose  my  passage  in 
the  diligence.  At  3  punctually  went  to  the  stage  office 
with  my  baggage.  There  were  no  signs  of  going.  It 
was  blowing  and  snowing  violently.  After  pacing  the 
court  yard  about  twenty  minutes  I  fortunately  found 
the  conducteur1  and  very  fortunately  he  could  speak 
French.  Told  me  the  diligence  would  go  a  little  after 
5  and  begged  me  to  be  very  punctual.  I  was  punc- 
tual ;  then  it  would  certainly  go  at  6.  By  way  of 
consolation,  went  to  my  quarters  and  took  dinner. 
Was  in  the  field  again  at  6  and  determined  not  to 
quit  it.  At  7  we  set  off.  The  storm  had  risen  to  a 
tempest.  Our  road  lay  right  through  the  mountains, 
something  like  those  between  Croton  and  Peekskill. 


1  Mother-in-law. 

2  A  Hamburger. 

3  Conductor. 


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Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

The  snow  had  become  deep  and  in  places  excessively 
drifted.  We  were  six  in  the  wagon.  I  had  the  worst 
place,  which  is  everywhere  the  lot  of  the  stranger 
except  in  Scotland  and  Sweden.  The  storm  in  our 
face  ;  the  wagon  badly  covered.  We  were  all  covered 
with  snow.  Every  half  hour  we  got  fast  in  some 
snowdrift ;  were  once  obliged  to  send  back  a  postillion 
an  English  mile  for  additional  horses  to  drag  us  up  a 
mountain,  and  at  another  time  to  send  as  far  forward 
to  get  men  and  tools  to  dig  us  out  of  the  snow  and 
open  a  path.  These  operations  took  up  about  two 
hours  each  between  12  and  5  in  the  night.  We 
arrived  here  at  2  P.  M.  this  day,  having  been  nine- 
teen hours  indefatigably  employed  in  getting  over  four 
miles,  about  nineteen  English  !  And  what  do  you  do 
here  and  why  don't  you  go  on  ?  Infandum  regina 
jubes^  but  I  will  tell  you.  The  diligence  goes  no 
further  on  my  route  till  6  A.  M.  to-morrow.  Having 
resolved  against  post  extra,  here  I  wait  with  all  imagi- 
nable patience  in  a  humble  inn  where  I  am  received 
with  extreme  good  humor  and  filth,  and  having  dined 
on  potatoes  and  drank  beer  and,  since,  some  execrable 
tea,  which  was  unnecessary,  I  am  now  at  10  about  to 
undergo  the  operation  of  stewing  and  freezing,  as 
heretofore  described,  there  being  no  sort  of  covering 
except  the  down  bed.  I  suffered  a  good  deal  with  the 
cold  last  night.  My  companions  appeared  quite  at 
ease.  They  were  in  constant  good  humor,  sang  a 
great  deal,  two  of  them  having  very  fine  voices. 

I     Latin.     Queen,  thou  dost  order  an  unspeakable  thing.     (Quoted  from  Vergil's  ".^Eneid," 
II.  J.) 

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Private     'Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

Among  them  all  during  the  whole  nineteen  hours  I 
did  not  hear  a  single  tone  or  expression  of  ill  humor 
or  impatience. 

31.  Up  at  6  and  ready  to  move,  so  soon,  at 
least,  as  I  shall  have  swallowed  my  coffee  which  is  on 
the  stove  by  my  side.  Take  notice,  Madame,  that  I 
never  again  get  under  one  of  these  infernal  down  beds. 
It  has  been  a  night  of  extreme  fatigue  and  I  had  great 


Gotha,  December  31,  1809.  At  the  moment  of 
writing  the  last  line  above  the  wagon-meister*  came  a 
third  time  to  inform  me  that  the  diligence  was  waiting, 
and  added  that  the  passengers,  I  had  before  under- 
stood there  were  none,  were  growing  impatient. 
Disposed  of  my  coffee,  paid  my  bill,  32  gooden 
groshen,  and  packed  up  my  loose  articles  with  all 
possible  dispatch,  and  at  yz  p.  7  we  were  under  weigh. 
You  must  divine  how  that  sentence  would  have  been 
concluded.  The  passengers  were  three  paysans  going 
to  Eisenach.  They  strove  to  amuse  me  by  details 
regarding  the  country  through  which  we  were  passing 
and  the  incidents  of  modern  times.  If  my  pipe  were 
out,  would  run  through  the  snow  100  yards  to  fetch 
me  fire,  &c.  We  had  six  horses  to  drag  us  up  the 
mountain.  These  mountains  are  no  more  than  great 
hills.  At  every  ^  mile  a  village.  The  soil  is  better 
here  than  in  the  plains  of  Hanover.  At  three  miles 
we  changed  horses  and  postillion.  Our  new  postillion 
was  an  angel,  quite  inspired.  We  went  on  fast  more 


1  The  sentence  is  unfinished. 

2  For  Wagenmeiiter.     Conductor. 


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than  half  the  way  and  once  he  actually  galloped  for 
near  200  yards.  At  4  we  were  at  Eisenach,  having 
made  five  miles  in  8  ^  hours,  a  most  wonderful  transit 
for  this  region.  Eisenach  is  in  a  valley  of  three  or 
four  leagues  circumference  and  several  hundred  feet 
below  the  surrounding  mountains,  one  of  which  conceals 
it  from  your  view  till  you  enter  the  suburbs.  May 
have  about  10,000  inhabitants.  The  plain,  however, 
is  in  view,  and  the  salt-works  for  ^  hour  before,  and 
ornamented  with  rows  of  trees.  Eisenach  was  (is)  a 
walled  town.  The  walls  of  stone,  now  in  decay.  On 
the  right  as  you  enter,  a  castle  about  100  feet  above 
the  town,  walled  in  and  capable  of  defence  (before 
cannon  invented).  It  is  a  neat  town  ;  has  a  theatre 
open  this  very  night,  formerly  the  residence  of  the 

no,  that  must  be  mistake.     These  little  walled 

towns  are  a  great  nuisance  to  travelers  :  searches  and 

D  * 

questions.  The  theatre  would  not  have  detained  me, 
but  I  did  wish  to  examine  the  noble  ruins  of  a  castle 
on  the  very  summit  of  the  mountain  immediately 
beyond  (on  this  side)  the  town.  It  is  exactly  the 
scene  of  a  fairy  tale.  Here,  no  doubt,  many  a  fair 
damsel  has  been  confined  by  diabolical  enchantments 
and  delivered  by  valiant  Christian  knights.  But  a 
matter  nearer  home  engages  my  attention.  The  post- 
master, who  speaks  French,  informed  me  that  the 
diligence  must  wait  till  that  from  Frankfort  arrived, 
which  was  not  expected  till  midnight ;  might  be  after. 

Having  been  two  nights  without  rest (Happy 

New  Year !     The  clock  strikes  1 1  :  a  band  of  music 


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Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

is  playing  near  my  window,  guns  firing,  as  with  us, 
&c.) —  without  rest  and  undergoing  great  fatigues,  I 
determined  to  take  post  horses  to  Gotha.  Went  to  a 
tavern,  took  tea,  and  at  5  was  in  my  calash.  The 
postillion  was  a  slow-motioned  rascal  who  was  5^ 
hours  bringing  me  to  this  place.  My  first  business 
was  to  go  personally  to  the  diligence  office  and  secure 
a  place  for  the  morning.  The  expense  of  post  extra 
is  beyond  all  bearing.  Before  Eisenach  we  enter  the 
kingdom  of  Saxony  (Ch's  Loss'  kingdom)1.  (Note  the 

bridges  over  the at  Eisenach.)     And  here   I 

am  in  a  great  auberge1  where  no  creature  speaks  a  word 
of  French  or  English.  Have  had  a  supper  brought 
which  I  did  not  want  and  did  not  order  and  twenty 
other  mesintelligences1  which  I  will  tell  you  another 
time ;  but  expecting  to  be  called  at  ^  p-  5>  must  bid 
you  good-night.  Good-morning!  this  ist  of  January, 
1810.  It  has  been  snowing  all  day  and  is  now  raining 
very  hard.  Having  a  bed  with  couverture  and  a  chauf 
lit*,  promise  myself  a  few  hours'  comfort.  (Note  :  the 
infernal  douaniers  and  commissaires  de  •police  /J  I  wish 
Mercier6  were  police  officer  over  the  whole  world. 
For  your  amusement  T  enclose  a  copy  of  the  paper  I 
have  signed.  It  will  puzzle  their  Highnesses.) 

Gotha,  January   i,   1810,  7  A.  M.     Was  really 
up  at  6  and  have  breakfasted.     Not  the  better  for  the 


1  Who  was  Charles  Loss  ?     Further  on,  under  date  of  February  4,  1810,  Burr  mentions  him 
again. 

2  Inn. 

3  For  misintclliginces.     Misunderstandings. 

4  With  quilt  and  bed-warmer  (chauffe-lit). 

5  The  infernal  custom-house  officers  and  police  commissaries. 

6  It   will   be   remembered   that    Mercier   was   the    highest    police   official    of    Brunswick, 
Germany. 

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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

wine.  Raining  very  hard.  How  sorry  I  feel  for  the 
lower  orders  of  people  when  it  rains  on  a  holiday  ! 
They  have  so  few  enjoyments,  in  Europe  especially, 
nowhere  so  few  as  in  England.  It  is  now  said  that 
the  diligence  will  not  go  till  9.  At  Eisenach  saw  the 
first  sleighs  I  have  seen  since  leaving  America.  They 
were  pretty  little  things ;  fine  horses  ornamented  with 
cords  and  tassels  and  bells  ;  gentlemen  and  ladies. 
Saw  a  great  number  of  pretty  faces  the  hour  I  was 
there  among  the  servants  and  bourgeoise1  disfigured  by 
a  strange  head-dress  and  all  false  hips,  even  girls  of  5 
years  old.  At  the  tavern  I  caught  one  to  examine 
those  hips  ;  she  screamed  as  if  I  was  going  to  eat  her, 
to  the  great  amusement  of  twenty  spectators.  The 
fountains  at  Eisenach  and  Gotha ;  all  the  bells  ringing 
since  7  o'clock.  (Forgot  Kreutzberg,  a  little  town  in 
a  plain  (a  hollow)  in  the  midst  of  the  mountains, 
where  are  extensive  salt-works  ;  a  pretty  scene  as  you 
descend  the  mountains  ;  it  is  three  miles  west  (the 
other  side)  of  Eisenach.)  9  A.  M.  The  Frankfort 
stage  (in  which  I  am  to  go  to  Weimar)  not  yet  arrived. 
Determined  to  wait  for  it.  Will  go  out  in  all  the  rain 
to  see  if  there  be  anything  to  amuse  you.  There  are 
plenty,  I  know,  but  not  visible  at  this  hour ;  besides 
I  dare  not  be  long  absent.  Just  as  I  had  finished  the 
last  sheet  a  message  from  a  lady  now  somewhere  in 
this  great  house  that  she  was  going  alone  in  a  carriage 
to  Weimar,  and  a  proposition  that  I  should  take  a 
seat  with  her,  to  go  immediately.  Voluntiers1^ 


I     For  bourgeois!!.     Middle-class  women. 
^     For  volontitrs.     Willingly. 


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Madame!  I  understood  this  to  be  an  overture  of 
economy  and  not  of  gallantry.  She  may  be  deformed 
and  90  for  aught  I  have  learnt.  From  Weimar  you 
shall  know  the  result,  Weimar,  Weimar,  for  which  I 
have  gone  seventy  miles  out  of  my  way,  have 
expended  so  much  time  and  money  !  and  all  this  for 
thee,  lovely  d'Im.1  I  shall  at  least  have  the  satisfac- 
tion of  having  performed  my  engagement ;  perhaps 
the  only  reward,  but  how  little  did  I  know  how  much 
I  should  regret  the  time.  Something  I  told  you  a  few 
days  past  has  inspired  this  impatience  ;  a  little,  leetle 
ray  of  light.  Adieu ;  6  miles  to  Weimar,  we  shall 
arrive  about  midnight. 

4  P.  M.  toujours*  Gotha.  The  Frankfort  stage 
not  arrived !  The  postmeister*  now  says  that  it  is 
probable  the  rain  and  melting  of  the  snow  may  have 
so  swelled  the  rivers  as  to  render  them  impassable 
(Dumfries)4  and  that  of  course  there  can  be  no  conjec- 
ture about  the  arrival.  Very  pleasant,  Madame,  to  be 
a  whole  day  in  a  place  where  there  is  no  being 
(*  *  *  *)5  who  can  understand  a  sentence  I  say  nor 
be  understood  by  me.  This  is  not  the  worst.  I 
would  amuse  myself  very  well,  could  go  (have  gone]  to 
church  or  to  see  some  of  the  fine  things,  or,  as  at 
Gliickstadt,  could  make  acquaintances,  but  my  great 
apprehension  of  losing  the  damned  diligence  keeps  me 

1  For  d'Imhoff.     In   Davis's  abridged  reprint  the  last  words  of  this  sentence  are  "  and  all 
this  for  the  lovely  D'Or."     This  means  nothing.     The  reference  is  doubtless  to  Lady  Imhoff, 
whose  acquaintance  Burr  made  in  Sweden.     She  is  mentioned  under  date  of  September  9,  1809, 
as  Fruken  Imhoff.     As  the  reader  proceeds  it  will  become  plain  that  Burr  has  come  to  Weimar 
to  meet  a  certain  aristocratic  lady  of  whom  Lady  Imhoff  had  spoken. 

2  Gotha  still. 
j     Postmaster. 

4  Dumfries  is  a  city  of  Scotland  in  a  county  of  the  same  name.     Does  Burr  mention  it  here 
because  he  had  a  similar  experience  there  with  impassable  rivers  ? 

5  An  undecipherable  word. 

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Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

from  being  abroad  more  than  ^  hour  at  a  time. 
Nevertheless  I  have  been  all  day  roving ;  have  made 
some  acquaintances,  some  discoveries  about  those  false 
hips,  which,  to  be  sure,  cost  me  i*/£  dollars.  Several 
little  adventures  ;  know  the  town.  Every  lady  you 
look  at  sitting  in  her  window  nods  to  you.  I  drew 
strange  conclusions  at  first ;  but  how  dangerous  are 
rash  inferences  !  Have  seen  only  one  beautiful 
woman.  Lo,  the  diligence  arrives,  I  saw  it  from  my 
window  !  "  But  what  has  become  of  the  lady  ?  "  Too 
long  a  story  to  tell  and  worth  nothing  when  told. 
Have  been  over  to  see  the  diligence.  It  goes  at  7. 
The  price  to  Weimar  is  2  ecus1,  about  $1.75  of  your 
money.  There  are  two  passengers,  of  whom  one 
speaks  French.  A  very  forbidding  phiz,  but  not 
worse  than  my  own.  The  weather  mild. 

Weimar,  a  la  fin1,  Weimar,  Tuesday  evening, 
January  2,  1810.  At  6  last  evening  at  Gotha  went  to 
the  stage-house.  These  post-houses  are  not  always 
taverns,  but  there  is  always  a  room  with  fire  for  the 
passengers.  Here  sat  with  my  two  companions  till  8. 
I  was  amused  by  the  bourgeoises  who  were  continually 
coming  in  to  visit  one  belonging  to  the  house.  A 
vigorous,  active,  athletic  race  ;  reminded  one  of  those 
German  women  spoken  of  by  Tacitus  and  Caesar. 
Their  laugh  might  have  been  heard  a  mile.  At  8  we 
embarked  and  moved.  (But  Gamp  is  tired  and  must 
go  to  bed.  He  will  try  to  devote  a  few  moments  to 
you  to-morrow.) 


I     An  ecu  is  commonly  called  a  crown. 
^    Finally. 


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3.  Couche  ii.  Rose  7.  Had  a  fine  sleep. 
Have  breakfasted  and  am  refreshed.  Now  to  go  back 
to  the  waggoning1  at  Gotha.  Going  in  and  out  of 
these  towns  you  pay  a  toll  for  passing  the  gate,  i  ^ 
gro.  It  was  warm.  The  wagon  well  cushioned  and 
our  very  slow  motion  relieved  us  from  the  jolting, 
though  we  were  without  springs.  At  the  end  of  a 
mile  the  postillion  stopt1  at  a  tavern  to  take  snaps1  and 
I  went  in,  as  I  always  do,  to  see  &c.  The  hostess  is 
the  picture  of  Megara3.  She  asked  me  if  I  would 
have  brandy.  No.  Beer  ?  No.  She  then  turned 
to  her  husband  and  the  postillion,  the  only  auditors, 
and  abused  me  with  a  profusion  of  curses.  A  fellow 
who  would  come  in  and  warm  himself  by  her  fire  and 
drink  nothing  !  The  postillion  informed  her  that  I 
was  a  Frenchman  who  understood  not  a  word  of  Ger- 
man and  I  affected  to  understand  nothing.  At  going 
out  I  very  civilly  bid  her  good-night.  She  threw  back 
her  head  with  the  most  malignant  expression  and 
demanded  i  groschen  for  having  warmed  myself  by 
her  fire,  which  I  paid  her  and  again  bid  her  good-night. 
The  wagon  being  closed,  I  saw  nothing.  Arrived  at 
Erfurth4  at  2  in  the  morning.  Took  a  servant  to  show 
me  the  houses  where  the  Emperors  Napoleon  and 
Alexander  lodged  while  forming  the  treaty  in  1806. 
Got  coffee  after  an  hour's  delay  and  without  undressing 
lay  down  to  sleep  till  called  to  continue  our  journey. 
Was  waked  by  the  servant  at  ^  p.  6  to  know  if  I 

1  So  in  the  MS. 

2  For  schnaffs. 

}     For  Meg.era,  one  of  the  avenging  goddesses,  the  Erinyes  or  Furies. 
4    For  Erfurt. 

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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

would  have  breakfast ;  again  at  7  to  know  if  I  would 
have  my  boots  cleaned  ;  these  inquiries  being  answered 
in  the  negative,  and  with  great  good  humor,  I  rose  and 
after  two  hours  delay  we  moved  about  9.  An  open 
country  with  gentle  swells  and  extensive  plains  of  rich 
soil  and  highly  cultivated.  No  enclosures ;  the  cattle 
are  not  suffered  to  go  at  large.  Destitute  of  wood. 
Two  English  miles  before  reaching  Weimar  you  are 
on  an  elevated  plain  terminated  by  hills  more  distant. 
An  extensive  horison1  on  every  side.  You  do  not 
suspect  a  valley  till,  within  */£  mile  of  Weimar,  you 
discover  the  town  in  a  vale  100  feet  below  you.  I  was 
not  deceived  in  the  phiz  of  my  compagnon.  He  was 
morose  to  rudeness,  a  merchant  from  the  neighborhood 
of  Frankfort,  and  being  bound  to  Leipzig,  left  us  at 
Erfurth.  The  other,  who  came  with  me  hither,  a  most 
amiable  youth,  a  sub.  in  the  chasseurs*  of  Saxe\  devoted 
himself  to  me  with  constant  assiduity.  At  2  arrive 
and  put  up  at  the  Elephant,  not  a  creature  in  the 
house  speaking  a  word  of  French.  Was  shown  into  a 
very,  very  small  triangular  room,  coarsely  furnished 
and  no  bell.  "  Have  you  no  larger  room  ?  "  "  No." 
So  I  found  this  very  good.  Let  me  see,  I  don't  recol- 
lect where  I  breakfasted.  In  fact,  I  think  I  had  not 
breakfasted  at  all.  Ordered  tea.  Opened  my  trunks, 
sent  out  the  following  letters  with  my  address  :4 

At  4  came  in  the   Baron   de  Schrade5,  who  intro- 
duced himself  to  me    as  the    brother    of  la  Baronne 


1  So  in  the  MS. 

2  The  chasseurs  were  originally  infantry  or  cavalry  soldiers   in  the  French  army  trained  for 
rapid  maneuvers.     In  Germany  they  are  called  Jdger,  and  are  practically  sharpshooters. 

}     French  for  Saxony. 

4  Here  there  is  a  break  in  the  MS. 

5  His  true  name  was  Von  Schardt. 


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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

de  Stein1 ;  presently  a  message  from  la  Baronne  de 
Stein,  asking  me  to  call  and  take  tea.  Message  from 
M.  de  Bartuck1,  apologizing  that  he  could  not  call  till 
morning.  From  la  Princesse  Caroline,  requesting  to 
see  me  in  the  morning  at  1 1.  Then  in  came  my  land- 
lord, expressed  his  dissatisfaction  with  my  room  and 
asked  if  1  would  not  prefer  a  larger.  "  Most  cer- 
tainly." In  five  minutes  myself  and  baggage  were 
transferred  to  a  large,  handsome,  well-furnished  room, 
with  every  convenience.  (On  fait  peu  de  cas  des  voy- 
ageurs  en  diligence* ;.)  At  6  to  la  Bar.  de  Stein.  T  : 
Sa  fille,  grande,  belle,  bien  fait,  chev.  no.,  blonde4 ; 
Madame  la  Bar.  d'Egglestein  ;  la  Bar.  de  Knebel, 
dame  d'bon.5  de  la  Princesse  Caroline  ;  all  in  calico  and 
en  famille.  Tea  made  at  the  table  of  which  and  biscuit 
(rusk)  I  partook.  Sat  about  an  hour,  then  home  and 
engaged  in  fifty  nameless  occupations  the  remainder  or 
the  evening.  The  Elephant  is  on  one  of  the  principal 
squares.  Looking  out  of  my  window  just  at  dawn 
this  morning  saw  great  numbers  of  people,  principally 
women,  erecting  tents  and  slight  sheds  all  round  the 
square.  It  must  be  a  great  market  day  or  a  fair. 
After  breakfast  went  out  for  an  hour  to  see  the  show 
and  the  people.  It  is  a  kind  of  fair.  Made  one 
pleasant  acquaintance.  At  10  came  in  Mons.  Bertuch, 
a  frank,  sprightly,  sensible  man,  of  much  learning  and 

1  Frau  von  Stein  was  one  of  the  best   known   ladies  at  the  Weimar  court.     She  is  especially 
noted  in  German  literature  because  of  her  close  intimacy  with  the  poet  Goethe  and  her  remark- 
able influence  upon  his  poetic  development. 

2  Friedrich  Justin  Bertuch  (1747-1822)  was  a  book  and  art  dealer  in  Weimar.     He  was  also 
an  author  of  some  note  and  a  councilor  in  the  government  of  the  Duke  of  Saxe-Weimar. 

J     Stage-coach  passengers  are  slighted. 

4  Her  daughter,  tall,  beautiful,  well  formed  (bien  faite)  ;  black  hair  (cheveux  noirj),  blonde. 

5  For  dame  d'1  honneur.     Maid  of  honor.     Frau  von  Knebel  was  the  wife  of  Karl  Ludwig  von 
Knebel  ( 1744-1834),  who  was  a  close  friend  of  the  poets    Goethe  and    Herder,  and  himself  an 
author. 

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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

in  liasori1  with  all  the  literati'2'  of  Germany.  Appears 
about  55  but  says  he  is  67  ;  has  promised  to  announce 
me  to  Wieland5  and  Goethe4  and  gave  me  some 
renseignments  as  to  my  duty  toward  the  court.  At  10 
to  la  Princesse  Caroline,  a  very  lovely,  interesting 
woman.  T :  M'lle  la  Baronne  de  Knebel,  Madame 
la  Baronne  de  Stein.  They  inquired  with  great  interest 
about  the  Imhoffs  ;  about  America.  At  12  to  Ber- 
tuch's  to  get  further  instructions.  To  le  Baron  de 
Schrade,  where  yz  hour.  Y  Madame  la  Baronne. 
To  Baron ,  marecbal  de  la  cours;  he  was  indis- 
posed and  invisible.  Y  Madame  sa  femme  whom  I 
met  the  first  evening.  Chez  Madame  de  Stein  and 
her  belle  soeur6.  Madame  d'Egglestein  told  me 
that  M'lle  Gore  would  be  glad  to  see  me.  (An 
English  lady  of  fortune,  resident  here  for  many  years  ; 
sister  of  Lady  Cooper,  now  in  Italy.)  Went  there 
and  sent  in  my  address  ;  denied  !  To  Madame  de 
Stein's  ;  out,  which  was  true,  for  I  met  her  on  my  way 
home.  Just  after  I  got  home  came  in  an  elderly  man 
superbly  dressed,  with  sword  and  chap,  bra?  I  sup- 
posed he  must  be  a  Baron  at  least.  He  very  formally 
delivered  me  a  message  from  S.  A.  le  Due  Regnant*, 

1  For  liaison.     Intimacy. 

2  Latin.     Men  ofletters. 

3  Christoph   Martin   Wieland  (1733-1813)   was    one  of  the  best  known  of  German  authors. 
In  1772  he  was  called  from  his  chair  of  philosophy  and  literature,  at  the  University  of  Erfurt,  to 
become  tutor  of  the  young  Duke,  the  Crown  Prince,  at  Weimar.     There  he  remained  until  his 
death,  some  forty  years  afterward. 

4  Goethe  (1749-1832),  the  greatest  of    German    poets  and  the  author  of  "  Faust,"  settled  at 
Weimar  in  177;  on  the  invitation  of  the   Duke   of  Saxe-Weimar,  Charles  Augustus.     Here  he 
was  the  great  center  of  attraction,  not  only  as  a  poet,  but  also  as  a  scientific    investigator  and  a 
very  high  official  in  the  ducal  government.     The  friendship  between  him  and  the  Duke  was  one 
of  the  most  notable  in  history. 

5  Marshal  of  the  court. 

6  For  bellc-soeur.     Sister-in-law. 

7  See  Glossary. 

8  For  Son  jilteise  le  Due  Regnant.     His  Highness    the  reigning  Duke. 

35° 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

requesting  me  to  dine  with  him  the  same  day  at  y2  p. 
2.  There  was  no  refusing,  so  made  my  toilette,  got  a 
sedan  chair  (much  used  here)  and  went  au  Palais.  But 
just  before  going,  the  valet  who  attends  me  repeated 
to  me  an  hundred  times,  with  great  impatience  and 
emphasis,  something  which  I  could  not  comprehend, 
nor  could  any  way  conceive  to  be  of  the  least  import- 
ance ;  but  there  happening  to  be  below  a  gentleman 
who  spoke  French,  with  his  aid  I  discovered  that  the 
valet  wished  to  inform  me  that  before  going  to  court 
it  was  indispensable  that  I  should  send  cards  to  two  of 
the  great  officers  of  court,  in  which,  the  gentleman 
said,  the  valet  was  right.  Gave  him  two  cards  and  he 
went  off  very  happy.  Arrived  au  Palais  was  shown 
into  a  drawing  room  where  was  nobody.  Presently 
came  in  maids  of  honor,  two  very  pretty  girls  and  au 
fait1  to  their  duty.  They  led  me  into  an  adjoining 
room  where  was  presented  to  S.  A.  la  Duchesse 

Regnanfe2;    to    S.    A.    la   Duchesse  ,    sister    of 

Emperor  Alexander ;  au  Prince  H er  edit  air  e^,  a  very 
amiable,  well-bred  young  man  of  about  25,  and  finally 
came  in  le  Due  Regnant*.  The  gentlemen  led  each  a 
lady  to  dinner.  I  was  placed  on  the  right  hand  of  le 
pri.  hered.*,  vis-a-vis  la  Comtesse  de  Peyster,  dame 
d'bon.  au  Princess  Marie  (de  Russie5),  a  very  interest- 


1  Acquainted  with. 

2  Her  Highness   the  reigning  Duchess. 

3  For  au  Prince  Hireditaire.     To  the  Crown  Prince. 

4  Karl  August,  Duke,  and  from  1815,  Grand  Duke,  of  Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach,  was   no  ordi- 
nary ruler.     His  reign  was  the  most  brilliant  epoch  in  the  history  of  Saxe-Weimar.     He  was  a 
gifted  and  intelligent  patron  of  literature  and  art,  and  is  especially  notable  as  having  been  the 
patron  and  friend  of  Goethe.     During  his  reign  Weimar  became  a  modern  Athens.     He  was  also 
the  first  of  the  German  rulers  to  grant  a  liberal  constitution. 

5  For  dame  d'1  honneur  a  la  Princesse  Marie   de    Russie.     Maid   of  honor   to   the  Princess 
Marie  of  Russia. 

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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

ing  face  et  les  plus  belles  mains1.  Marie  is  very  hand- 
some and  does  credit  to  her  rank  and  birth.  But  I 
must  stop  with  details  and  only  make  short  notes  to 
talk  from.  La  Baronne  Knebel,  dame  d'hon.  a  Princesse 
Caroline  asked  me  to  tea  to-morrow  (invitation  of  the 
Princesse).  Baron  d'Humbold1;  la  Princesse  Caroline. 
Home  at  ^  p.  5  and  at  6  to  the  theatre.  No  grille 
or  jalousie  before  les  loges*  of  the  royal  family.  Much 
amused  at  theatre.  Young  Bertuch  explained  to  me. 
Home  at  9.  Left  to  my  valet  to  get  mus.4,  which  he 
did  of  his  own  taste.  Pas  mauv.s  But  white  and 
white.  It  is  so  fade.6  Tea,  which  was  unnecessary. 
The  battle  of  Jena  terminated  in  this  place  ;  in  the 
town,  gardens,  houses,  parks  ;  disorders  and  incidents 

of  ditto.      Major riding  through  town  without 

his  head. 

4.  Couche  yz  p.  12.  Lev.  7.  Note  from  Ber- 
tuch that  he  would  call  at  10  to  take  me  to  Weiland's7 
and  Goethe's.  At  10  pere  et  Ji/s8  called.  Went  first 
to  Wieland's,  77.  To  Goethe's,  5 89.  Y  Humboldt. 
Les  medailles10.  To  la  Baronne  de  Stein's  ;  tete-a-tete 
y^  hour.  Promenade  through  the  park  ;  crossing  the 
little  Ulm  ;  the  summer  house  ;  the  fountains  ;  caves  ; 
ruins  ;  walks  and  views.  Din.  cbez  moi.  Fin  Johan- 


1  And  the  most  beautiful  bands. 

2  Probably  Wilhelm  von   Humboldt.     Both  he  and    his   great  brother  Alexander  bore  the 
title  of  baron. 

3  No  railing  or  screen  in  front  of  the  boxes,  etc. 

4  For  muse. 

j  For  fas  mauvaise.     Not  bad. 

6  It  is  so  insipid. 

7  For  Wieland. 

8  Father  and  son.     Probably  Goethe  and  his  son. 

9  Goethe  was  actually  over  60.     Wieland  was  76. 
10  The  medals  or  medallions. 


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Private     'Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

nisberg1.  At  6  to  la  Baronne  Kneble  chez  la  Prin.1 
Caroline's.  T :  La  Baronne  de  Stein  ;  la  Prin  se ;  a 
gentleman,  and  another  dame.  Tea  and  cheerful  con- 
fab. M'lle  Gore,  who  began  an  apology.  "  Mad., 
tout  belle  femme  a  le  drolt  de  faire  la  coquette"*.  On  Ht4. 
Tea,  bishop,  cakes.  At  yz  p.  7  Bertuch  sent  his  coach 

for  me  to  take  me  to .     T  a  circle  of  about 

fifteen,  very  gay.  Saw  but  one  ;  de  Reizenstein,  souer 
de  la  Comtesse  de  Peystre.  "Ofatupui"5.  Rendezvous 
for  to-morrow.  Helasb  Mary  Ann!  This  day  would 
make  about  200  pages  if  written  out.  T.7  would  have 
been  cont*  Home  at  10. 

5.  Coucbe  i.  Lev.  8.  At  10  by  appointment 
to  Bertuch's.  T:  Le  pere,  le  fits  et  fern.;  Mons.  de 
Miiller,  conseiller  prive  de  la  Regence  et  env.  ext.  de 
Weimar  a  Paris9.  To  Madame  Wollzogen,  souer  de 
la  veuve  de  Schiller10.  T  ent.  Madame  de  Goethe",  c. 
d.  housekeeper.  Un  fils  //I2.  Encore  chez  Bertuch. 
Alors  av.  un  carte  d'Amerique  chez  la  belle  de  Reizen- 
stein15. T :  Mere  et  Com'se14  de  Peystre  sa  souer. 
M'lle  has  lost  no  ground  to-day.  We  ran  over  United 

1  For  Johannisberger  wine. 

2  For  la  Princesse. 

J     Mad.  probably  for  Mademoiselle.    "  Mademoiselle,  every  (toute)  beautiful  woman  has  the 
right  to  coque 


4  Laughte 

5  Latin. 

6  For  hila 

7  Theodos 


.     Literally,  one  laughs, 
was  stricken  dumb. 

Alas  ! 
a,  Burr's  daughter. 


8  For  contente.     Pleased. 

9  For  Conseiller  Prive  de  la  Regence  et  Envtyi  Extraordinaire  de  Weimar  a  Paris.     Privy 
Councilor  of  the  Regency  and  Envoy   Extraordinary  of  Weimar  at  Paris.     The  word  rigence, 
regency,  must  refer  here  simply  to  the  ducal  government,  and  not  to  the  regency  of  the  Duchess 
Amalia,  which  had  lasted  from  1759  to  1775.     Friedrich  von   Miiller  was  born  in  1779  and  died 
in  1849.     He  was  a  close  friend  of  Goethe. 

10  Sister  of  Schiller's  widow. 

11  Madame    Goethe  entered   (/  tntra).     This   was    Christine  Vulpius,  whose  acquaintance 
Goethe  made  in  1788  and  who  lived  with  him  as  his  mistress  until  their  public  marriage  in  1806, 
on  the  day  of  the  battle  of  Jena. 

12  [They  have]  a  son  of  17. 

IJ     To  Bertuch's  again.     Then  with  a  (une)  map  of  America  to  the  beautiful  de  Reizenstein 
14     For  Comtesse. 

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Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

States.  Her  remarks  charmed  and  astonished  me. 
Din.  chez  moi.  Soup.  At  4  to  Madame  de  Wollzo- 
gen  by  her  own  appointment ;  denied,  but  why,  could 
not  comprehend.  Her  dom.  told  me  in  German  a 
very  long  story  and  with  great  animation  and  zeal  of 
which  I  understood  not  a  sentence.  Home.  Note 
to  Bertuch's  that  I  would  call  to  see  him  if  at  home 
and  disengaged ;  desol?  to  be  engaged.  Then  sat  to 
reading  the  details  of  the  battle  de  Jena,  &c.,  when 
Mr.  de  Miiller,  whom  of  all  men  in  this  place  I  wished 
most  to  see,  came  in. 

6.  I  had  a  baking  this  morning  and  lay  in  a 
torpid  state  till  8.  Before  10  came  in  Bertuch  fils2-  (a 
young  man  of  talents  and  learning).  Went  together 

to   the   at  teller  de  sculpture'*  de  Mr.  ,  a  young 

man  of  extraordinary  talents.  Thence  to  Madame  la 
Marechale  d'Eglefsstein4  by  invitation  delivered  by 
Mr.  Miiller  last  evening.  T :  la  Baronne  Reizenstein 
(la  conqu.  est  finie*  and  Gamp  is  ready  for  any  romance); 
Mr.  Miiller,  and  about  half  a  dozen  of  each  sex  and 
of  the  most  distinguished.  Le  poete6  Falk  would  have 
amused  me  much  had  it  not  been  for  Reizenstein. 
Staid  till  near  i.  Chocolate,  biscuit,  and  cakes  are 
the  repast  on  these  morning  parties.  Madame  la 
Marechale  made  an  apology  on  part  of  la  Duchesse  ; 
she  supposed  I  had  bid  conge1  to  the  Court  and  there- 

I      Very  sorry  (desalt). 

z     Bertuch  junior. 

J     Sculptor's  studio.     (Atelier.) 

4  For  Madame  la  Marechale  d'Egglestein,  the  wife  of  the  Marshal  (of  the  Court). 

5  For  la  canquete  ett  jinie.     The  conquest  is  complete,  i.  «.,  she  has  entirely  won  me  over.    I 
am  her  slave. 

6  Falk,  the  poet   (foite).     This   was  Johannes   Daniel   Falk,  a  German  philanthropist   and 
writer,  the  founder  of  the  Falk  Institute  for  abandoned  and  neglected  children  at  Weimar. 

7  Taken  my  leave  of  (conge), 

354 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

fore  had  not  invited  me.  To  Madame  la  Baronne  de 
Stein,  where  */£  hour ;  a  very  sensible,  well-bred 
woman.  She  told  me  what  I  did  not  know  nor  sus- 
pect, that  la  Princesse  Caroline  would  be  glad  to  see 
me  any  morning.  Home  at  2.  Found  note  from 
Madame  de  Wollzogen  inviting  me  to  tea  this  even- 
ing, to  which  replied  desole1  that  I  was  engaged  with 
Bertuch.  At  5  to  Bertuch's.  He  is  full  of  all  sorts 
of  information  and  seems  to  take  pleasure  in  commu- 
nicating. Revenue  of  Weimar  about  800,000  ecus*. 
Territory  40  square  miles  German  ;  about  700  English 
miles.  Five  branches  of  Ernest3.  Weimar,  Gotha, 
Eisenac.  At  6  Bertuch  fits  went  with  me  to  the  play. 
The  Duke  y  in  plain  dress  and  in  his  little  open  side 
box  without  an  attendant.  Duke  pays  about  3,000 
ecus  per  annum  to  support  the  theatre.  A  serious 
comedy,  of  which  I  will  send  you  a  copy,  was  per- 
formed perfectly  to  my  satisfaction.  Near  me  in  the 

;   Professor  Weisser ;  M'lles  Goldacker,   deux 

souers. 

7.  Lev.  7.  At  10  to  Bertuch's  to  have  100 
renseignments*.  To  M'lle  la  Baronne  Knebel  ;  out. 
La  Baronne  de  Stein  ;  out.  M'lle  Reizenstein  ;  out. 
Chez  Goethe,  where  found  them  all.  Also  les  deux 
souers  Goldacker,  la  Com.  de  Peystre,  and  a  belle  assem- 
blage*; a  musical  party  a  midi6.  (But  going  in  the 

I     See  note  I,  preceding  page. 

a    An  ecu  or  crown  was  worth  about  88  cents  in  United  States  money  of  the  time. 

3  In  1485  the  grandsons  of  Frederick  the  Valiant,  Ernst  and  Albert,  divided  the  inherited 
countries  of  Saxony,  so  that  Ernst  received  Thuringia,  and  Albert,  Meissen,  and  two  lines  were 
thus  formed,  which  still  flourish,  the  Ernestine  and  the  Albertine,  of  which  the  former  reigns  in 
the  Saxon  duchies,  the  latter  in  the  kingdom  of  Saxony. 

4  To  have  or  get  a  hundred  pieces  of  information. 

5  For  un  bel  assemblage.     A  fine  assemblage. 

6  At  noon  (a.  midi). 

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Private     y  o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

street  met  Madame  de  Schopenhauer1  who  asked  me 
to  meet  a  small  party  at  her  house  at  6.)  De  Reizen- 
stein  said  she  would  be  at  Schopenhauer's,  so  resolved 
to  go ;  walked  with  her  and  sisters.  Early  in  the 
morning  one  of  the  huissiers3"  called  with  invitation 
from  the  Duke  to  dinner  at  yz  p.  2.  Yesterday  did  a 
betise*.  Saw  in  the  street  a  girl  of  3  years  old  making 
a  stand  and  refusing  to  move.  Two  ladies  trying  to 
prevail  on  her  to  go,  but  no.  Went  to  see  the  child  ; 
very  lovely.  One  of  the  ladies  la  Com.  de  Peystre, 
whom  I  recognized.  Spoke  formally  ;  the  other  I  did 
not  recognize  nor  notice.  It  was  la  Grand  Duchesse  ! 
Relating  the  story  to  Madame  de  Stein,  told  her  I  had 
met  the  little  Princess  with  la  Com.  de  Peystre  and  a 
jolie  fille  de  cbambre4;  all  which  was  repeated  to  the 
Grand  Duchesse.  Had  to  settle  this  when  we  met  at 
dinner.  About  thirty  at  table  ;  le  grand  salon5.  Mes- 
sage just  before  coming  off  that  la  Grand  Duchesse 
asked  me  to  pass  the  evening.  Tea  and  cards.  Voila 
plein  d'aff's6,  for  there  is  a  ball  to-night  to  which  I  am 
resolved  to  go.  At  5  came  home  for  dinner.  Off 
directly  to  Bertuch's  and  thence  to  Schopenhauer's  ; 
there  were  two  brothers  and  a  sister  from  Jena,  a  most 
charming  family.  Was  obliged  to  leave  it  at  ^  p.  6 
to  attend  la  Grand  Duchesse.  De  Reizenstein  had 
not  come  in  but  understood  I  should  meet  her  at 


I  Madame  Johanna  Henriette  Schopenhauer,  the  mother  of  Arthur  Schopenhauer,  the  cele- 
brated German  philosopher,  the  chief  expounder  of  pessimism.  She  was  herself  a  writer  of 
novels,  books  of  travel,  etc. 

2,     Ushers,  door-keepers. 

}     Stupidity,  torn-foolery  (betise). 

4  A  pretty  chamber-maid. 

5  The  large  drawing  room. 

6  For  [me]  voila  flein  d'affaires.     I'm  full  of  business. 


356 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

court,  but  she  was  not  there !  La  Grand  Duchesse 
engaged  me  at  her  table  at  whist.  T  Mr.  de  Stein  de 
Lensihoten,  Hollandais1.  La  Princesse  speaks  English 
extremely  well ;  French  like  a  Parisian.  Fine  hands 
and  arms.  Elbow  perfect.  Very  intelligent  questions. 
Lost  28  gro.  At  yz  p.  9  au  bal*  T:  Le  Doctor 
Holberg  ;  les  deux  souers ;  M'lle  John  (fig.  Espan.*} ; 
Madame  Goethe,  about  thirty  or  forty  dames  and  a 
most  beautiful  assemblage ;  contre  dame* ;  valse  ; 
grandpere*;  soupe.  Mr.  Wolff  I 'acteur  et  fern.6  Staid 
till  i.  Bertuch  fils  toujours1  et  le  Doctor  Holberg  et 
Miiller.  The  Americans  known  here  are  Smith  and 
Poinsett,  both  of  South  Carolina ;  the  latter  particu- 
larly intimate  with  Dr.  ,  the  physician  of 

Clarke,  now  minister  of  war. 

Erfurt,  January  8-9,  1810.  Felicitate  me,  my 
dear  T.,  on  my  escape  from  the  most  critical  danger 
of  my  life  !  I  have  been,  as  you  know,  in  a  pretty 
many  dilemmas  and  jeopardies,  but  in  no  one  that 
called  for  so  much  effort  and  determination  as  this, 
and  even  now,  at  the  distance  of  fifteen  English  miles, 
I  do  not  feel  myself  quite  safe.  Yet  having  ordered 
post-horses  for  6  in  the  morning,  not  choosing  to 
hazard  the  lapse  of  two  or  three  hours  to  wait  for  the 
diligence  (for  possibly  I  may  be  pursued),  my  escape 
may,  I  think,  be  considered  as  accomplished.  How 


I  A  Hollander. 

^  To  the  ball. 

J  For  une  figure  eifagnolc.     A  Spanish  face. 

4  For  contredanse.     Quadrille. 

5  Grandfather.     What  the  reference  is  is  not  plain. 

6  Mr.  Wolff,  the  actor,  and  his  wife. 

7  This  word  has  here  the  meaning  of  still,  i.  «.,  Bertuch  junior  was  still  with  him. 


357 


Private     y  o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

shall  I  apologize  to  la  Baronne  de  S.  to  whom  I  was 
engaged  for  to-morrow  (Tuesday)  evening,  when  she 
promised  that  I  should  see  all  that  is  beautiful  and 
brilliant  in  Weimar  and  its  vicinage  ?  How  to  the 
good  and  amiable  Wieland  whom  I  had  promised  to 
meet  this  evening?  How  to  Dr.  H.  whose  friendship 
has  been  so  disinterested  and  may  be  so  important  ? 
At  this  [hour]  probably  enough,  he  is  writing  letters 
for  me.  But  I  have  escaped,  that  is  my  consolation  ! 
I  do  verily  believe  that  de  Reizenstein  is  a  sorceress  ! 
Indeed,  I  have  no  doubt  of  it  and  if  I  were  President 
of  the  secret  tribunal  she  should  be  burnt  alive 
to-morrow.  Another  interview  and  I  might  have 
been  lost,  my  hopes  and  projects  blasted  and  aban- 
doned. The  horror  of  this  last  of  catastrophes  struck 
me  so  forcibly  and  the  danger  was  so  imminent  that  at 
8  o'clock  I  ordered  post-horses,  gave  a  crown  extra 
to  the  postillion  to  drive  like  the  devil,  and  lo  !  here  I 
am  in  a  warm  room  near  a  neat  good  bed,  safely 
locked  within  the  walls  of  Erfurt,  rejoicing  and  repin- 
ing. If  you  had  been  near  me  I  should  have  had 
none  of  this  trouble.  The  history  of  the  day  must  be 
deferred  till  my  head  is  more,  posed1. 

Gotha.  As  I  was  writing  the  concluding  line  of 
the  preceding  page  last  evening  (about  i  o'clock)  an 
ill-looking  fellow  opened  my  door  without  knocking, 
and  muttering  in  German  something  which  I  did  not 
comprehend,  bid  me  put  out  my  candle.  Being  in  no 
very  placid  humor  at  the  moment,  as  you  see,  I 
cursed  him  and  sent  him  to  hell  in  French  and 


Staid,  sedate.     See  Glossary. 

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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

English.  He  advanced  and  was  going  to  seize  the 
candle.  My  umbrella,  which  had  a  dirk  in  the  handle, 
being  near  me,  I  seized  it,  drew  the  dirk,  and  drove 
him  out  of  the  room.  Some  minutes  after  I  heard 
the  steps  of  a  number  of  men  and  looking  out  at  my 
windows  saw  it  was  a  corporal's  guard.  It  then 
occurred  to  me  that  this  Erfurt,  being  a  garrison  town 
with  a  French  governor  (de  Vismes),  there  might 
probably  enough  be  an  order  for  extinguishing  lights 
at  a  certain  hour,  and  I  had  no  doubt  but  the  gentle- 
men I  had  just  seen  in  the  street  were  coming  to 
invite  me  to  take  a  walk  with  them.  So  I  bundled  up 
my  papers  and  put  them  in  my  pocket  to  be  ready  for 
a  lodging  in  the  guard  house.  It  was  only  the  relief 
of  the  centinels1  going  round  and  who  the  impertinent 
extinguisher  was  I  have  not  learnt.  At  ^  p.  7  I  was 
off  without  breakfast.  Ascended  a  very  long  hill ;  a 
small  fort  on  the  left ;  stopped  by  the  guard  as  usual 
at  the  gate  to  give  your  name,  &c.  After  rising  the 
hill,  a  plain  the  whole  way,  about  fifteen  English  miles; 
an  open  plain  ;  not  a  fence,  not  a  grove,  not  a  house 
save  two  small  toll-houses ;  many  villages  on  the 
right ;  you  pass  through  only  one,  about  two  English 
miles  before  reaching  Gotha,  a  parcel  of  poor-looking 
houses  ;  a  row  of  immense  trees  are  each  side  the  road 
the  whole  way.  Very  cold.  Arrived  at  Gotha  at  1 1 . 
After  getting  breakfast  and  dressing,  sent  Mons.  B.'s 
letter  to  Mr.  Reichart*  with  my  card ;  also  cards  to 

I     So  in  the  MS. 

a  Heinrich  August  Ottokar  Reichard  (1751-1818),  whose  entire  life  was  lived  in  and  about 
Gotha.  He  was  an  author  of  considerable  repute,  a  statesman,  being  war  councilor  at  the  time 
of  Burr's  visit,  and  was  for  many  years  director  of  the  court  theatre  at  Gotha. 

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Private     y  o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

,  and  walked  out.     Charl.1  came  running  full 

speed  and  in  spite  of  all  I  could  do,  joined  me  and 
walked  with  me.  Le  Baron  de  Strick  arrived  at  2.  At 
5  din.  che-z  mot.  Reichart,  conseiller  de  guerre  et  auteur 

de* came  in  and  sat  a  few  minutes,  and  whilst 

I  was  dressing  Mons.  le  Baron  de  Salish,  merechal  de 
la  Cour*,  on  the  part  of  the  Duchesse  to  ask  me  to  pass 
the  evening.  Sup.  au  Palais4.  T  a  small  select 
party.  Cards  (boston)  with  la  Duchesse  and  won  a  1/5 
ecu  which  I  have  wrapped  in  paper  and  marked  for 
you.  About  9  the  Duke5  came  in;  a  very  handsome, 
tall,  graceful  blond,  bein  blond6.  Engaged  me  in  con- 
versation so  that  I  could  not  again  join  the  card  table. 
At  supper  was  on  the  left  and  the  Duke  on  the  right 
of  the  Duchesse.  Very  cheerful.  M'lle  La  Baronne  de 
Dalwigk,  dame  d'bon.,  a  del'  esprit1.  Much  of  United 
States.  Was  greatly  astonished  by  some  of  the 
remarks  of  the  Duke,  manifesting  sensibility  and  sen- 
timent. Of  cannibals.  He  has  flashes  and  detached, 
solitary  ideas  which  are  extraordinary  and  admirable. 
He  detests  the  English,  though  nearly  allied  to  the 
British  family.  Of  Napoleon.  Showed  a  ring  with  his 
hair.  Of  presentiments;  omens;  superstitions;  of  his 
brother  Frederick,  now  in  Italy ;  singular  disease, 
roideur*;  showed  me  the  boudoir  beautifully  fitted  up; 

1  Probably  for  Charlotte. 

2  War  councillor  and  author  of .     Burr  may  have  meant  to  refer  to  Reichard's  "  The- 

ater-kalendtr"    in   twenty-five   volumes,  or  to  his  guide  books  for  travelers,  especially  those 
appearing  in  French,  e.  £.,  "Passagier  auf  der  Reise  in  DeutsMand"  "  The  Traveler  Journey- 
ing in  Germany." 

}  Court  Marshal ;  in  German  Hofmarschall. 

4  At  the  Palace. 

j  Ernst  I.,  who  began  to  reign  as  Duke  of  Saxe-Coburg  in  1806.     Gotha  was  his  capital. 

6  Blond,  very  (bien)  blond. 

7  M'lle  de  Dalwigk,  lady  of  honour  (dame  d'honneur),  has  intellect  (a  de  Vesfrit). 

8  For  raideur.     Stiffness,  rigidity. 

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Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

the  designs  given  by  himself.  But  the  most  interest- 
ing subject  to  me  was  the  little  Princesse  Louisa  in  her 
tenth  year;  his  only  child;  born  of  a  former  marriage; 
a  fine,  healthy,  frank,  animated  child,  very  handsome. 
I  did  very  humbly  express  my  admiration  for  her. 
At  coming  away  the  Duke  asked  me  to  dinner  to- 
morrow. Home  at  ^  p.  ii  and  somehow  quite 
fatigued,  of  which  not  sensible  till  I  got  home.  Bon 
soir.  Mem.:  Paid  18  groschen  for  the  hire  of  a  hat 
and  sword. 

ii.  It  must  have  been  very  late  when  I  went  to 
bed  for  I  rose  with  reluctance  at  */£  p.  7.  Wrote 
note  to  Reichart  requesting  his  company  to  see  the 
Cabinet  des  Medailles1,  said  to  be  the  third  in  Europe. 
At  9  a  hussier*  of  the  Duke  to  ask  me  to  dine  to-day 
at  2.  He  came  back  after  five  minutes  to  say  that 
the  dinner  was  to  be  in  the  Duke's  apartments. 
Galled  on  Reichard  at  10  and  went  to  the  Cabinet  des 
Med.y  which  is  in  a  wing  of  the  Palace.  It  is,  indeed, 
very  rich.  The  list  and  description  is  in  sixteen 
volumes  folio ;  that  sounds  very  large,  but  I  am 
pretty  sure  that  I  had  the  XVI th  in  my  hand.  A 
great  many  of  Alexander ;  of  the  Roman  coins  a 
complete  series  from  the  first  Consul  to  the  last 
Emperor.  Passed  three  hours  in  the  cabinet  and 
library.  Home  at  i  and  au  Palais  at  2.  The  salon  a 
manger  is  magnifique*.  Placed  as  before.  About 
thirty  at  table ;  only  one  lady  besides  the  family. 


I     Cabinet  of  Medals  (des  Midaillet). 

z     For  huissier.     Usher. 

3     The  dining  saloon  is  magnificent. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Much  talk  about  X  and  of  la  Princesse  for  Queen. 
How  he  does  hate  the  English  !  Of  Coxe  who  mar- 
ried M'lle  de  Schale.  "  Men  are  fit  to  educate 
nothing  but  horses  and  dogs."  After  dinner  la  petite 
Princesse  came  in  ;  her  destiny  announced.  She  very 
frequently  declared  that  she  loves  Charles  ;  was  sent 
to  show  me  the  pictures  of  the  late  Duchesse  and  of 
the  present  Duke  and  other  matters.  About  two 

hours  at  table.     Adjourned  to   the and  after 

coffee  continued  y2  hour.  Conversation.  The  Duke 
and  Duchesse  retired  and  then  the  rest.  The  same 
usage  prevails  at  Weimar.  The  only  lady  beside  the 
family  was  M'lle  Vidonie  de  Dieskau,  who  is  with  her 
uncle,  Baron  Hardenberg,  from  Altenberg1.  Agreed 
to  be  of  the  party  but  embarassed  at  learning  that  no 
maids  beyond  1 8  would  be  permitted.  M'lle  V.  de 
D.  40;  fat;  willing;  cheerful  but  not  gay;  disp., 
la  la\ 

12.  Rose  at  7.  At  9  ran  in  to  see  Reichard, 
who  is  next  door.  Veuf.  Auteur  del>  etc.  At  10  le 
Baron  de  Tummel  called  with  his  carriage  to  take  me 
to  the  Observatoire*.  The  old  building  being  in 
decay  a  new  one  has  been  constructed  under  his  direc- 
tion. The  local  is  magnifique3;  300  feet  above  the 
city  ;  distance  about  one  English  mile.  Extremely 
well  supplied  with  instruments.  But  the  most  inter- 
esting object  to  me  was  Bernard  de  Lindenau6,  the 

I     For  Altenburg.     A  considerable  city  of  the  duchy  Saxe-Altenburg. 
i     Probably  for  disposee,  la  la  !     Disposed,  ready.     Now  then  ! 

3  A  widower,  author  of,  etc. 

4  The  Observatory.     This  was  at  Seeberg,  near  Gotha. 

5  The  premises  are  magnificent. 

6  Bernhard  August  von  Lindenau  (1780-1854)   was  both  a  very  prominent  Saxon  statesman 
and  a  well-known  astronomer.     From  1804  until  1817  he  was  director  of  the  Observatory  men- 
tioned above. 

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Professor,  the  occupant ;  already,  at  the  age  of  25, 
has  celebrity  as  an  astronomer  and  mathematician 
throughout  Europe.  His  appearance  is  in  the  highest 
degree  prepossessing.  Sensibility,  modesty,  intelli- 
gence, finely  blended.  His  story  is  quite  a  romance  ; 
was  gay,  extravagant,  dissolute  ;  got  in  love  and  was 
beloved  ;  his  mistress  died ;  he  shut  himself  up,  went 
nowhere,  saw  no  one ;  devoted  himself  to  science ; 
was  known  to  le  Baron  Tummel,  who  procured  for 
him  the  place  he  occupies.  He  presented  me  a  copy 
of  the  book  he  has  lately  published,  "  Tables  Barome- 
triques"1.  [Read]  the  introduction  with  great  pleasure. 
You  will  see  that  he  is  not  merely  mathematician,  but 
a  man  of  thought  and  sentiment.  The  son  of  the 
Baron,  a  fine  lad  of  about  17,  was  with  us.  Home  at 
i.  Yesterday  sent  my  card  to  M.  de  Kunkel,  con- 
seiller  interne  de  S.  A.  R.  FElectrice  de  Hesse,  nee 
Princesse  de  Dannemarc*.  Received  message  that  her 
Highness  would  be  glad  to  see  me  after  dinner  this 
day.  At  2  au  Chateau  to  dine.  A  party  of  more 
than  thirty.  One  stranger,  a  Prussian  general.  Le 
Com.  de  P.3  begged  me  to  cede  to  him  ma  plac4  next 
la  Duchesse,  as  he  was  a  stranger  just  arrived.  The 
table  is  always  cheerful.  Le  Due  extremely  gay. 
Having  said  that  I  had  your  picture,  after  dinner  he 
insisted  that  I  should  send  for  it,  which  was  done  by 
one  of  the  buissiers.  You  were  exhibited  and  suffi- 

i     "  Barometric  Tables." 

z     Interior  Councilor  («'.  «.,   Secretary  of  the  Interior)  of  her  Royal   Highness  (Son   Alteue 
Rojale)  the  Electress  of  Hesse  who  was  born   Princess  of  Denmark  (Dantmark). 
}     Probably  for  Le  Commandant  de  P. 
4     For  ma  place.     My  seat. 

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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

ciently  admired.  S.  A.1  was  quite  gallant  to  you. 
La  Prin,  regie1  asked  me  to  her  concert  this  evening 
at  7.  Home  at  5  and  went  out  with  Reichard  to  see 
Gallati3,  professor  of  history  and  author  of  a  history 
of  Germany  which  is  esteemed  the  best  of  its  kind, 
being,  as  he  said,  a  mere  summary  in  ten  volumes 
quarto.  It  has  gone  through  six  editions  and  has 
been  translated  into  French  and  Russian.  He  pre- 
sented me  a  small  statistical  book,  having  heard  that  I 
was  making  inquiries  on  such  subjects.  Home  at  6 
and  learned  that  a  servant  of  S.  A.  R.  I'EIectrice  has 
been  to  say  that  she  was  expecting  me !  Now,  to  say 
the  truth,  I  had  totally  forgotten  S.  A.  and  her  con- 
decension  in  giving  me  audience.  Off  I  went,  how- 
ever; was  received  by  M.  de  K.  and  announced;  then 
passing  through  several  rooms  was  presented.  After 
saluting,  she  sat  on  a  sofa  and  begged  me  to  be  seated 
on  a  sofa  chair  by  her  side,  which  I  obeyed.  M.  de 

K.  and  M'lle  de ,  dame  d'hon.,  stood.     She  is 

mother  of  la  D.  reg'te4,  aunt  of  Gustavus  IV.  and  the 
King  of  Den.5  Much  conversation  about  Sweden, 
especially  as  I  had  seen  Gustavus  IV.  and  his  family. 
After  yz  hour  came  in  S.  A.  la  Duchesse  reg.4  and  a 
few  minutes  after,  I  retired.  S.  A.  R.  thanked  me 
and  said  many  civil  things.  Her  Palaces,  &c.  are 
now  occupied  by  King  Jerome.  Her  husband  in 

I      For  Son  Altesse.     His  or  her  Highness. 

z     For  la  Princesse  Rcgnante.     The  reigning  Princess. 

3  Johann  Georg  August  Galletti  (1750-1828)  was  the  author  of  numerous  historical  works  on 
Germany,  France,  and  the  world  in  general,  none  of  which  has  stood  the  test  of  time  unless  it 
be  his  "  History  and  Description  of  the  Dukedom  Gotha  "  in  four  volumes,  published  about 
1781.     A  few  years  after  Burr's  visit  he  was  appointed  ducal  historiographer  and  geographer, 
as  well  as  court  councilor. 

4  For  la  Duchesse  Rignante.     The  reigning  Duchess. 
J     Denmark. 

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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Bohemia  with  his  mistress.  Home  and  then  to  the 
concert.  Besides  the  ducal  family,  there  were  eight 
ladies  and  about  twenty  gentlemen;  about  thirty  mus- 
ical performers;  many  of  them  have  salaries  from  the 

Due.1     Madame   played  the  violin   and    her 

daughter  the  piano  extremely  well.  After  the  concert 
an  elegant  supper.  I  was  seated  between  S.  A.  and 
M'lle  de  Dalwigk.  With  the  latter  much  conversa- 
tion about  her  lover,  who  has  behaved  like  a  true 
Englishman.  She  is  a  very  charming  woman ;  will 
tell  you  the  story  at  large.  La  petite1  Louisa  was  at 
the  concert.  I  demanded  a  souvenir,  to  which  she 
agreed  and  would  think  what  it  should  be.  Proposed 
a  garter.  A  deal  of  laughter,  &c.  Home  at  J4  p. 
10,  having  been  asked  to  dinner  to-morrow  in  case  I 
should  stay.  (It  must  have  been  Wednesday  evening 
that  I  called  with  Mr.  de  Reichard  on  le  Baron  de 
Falkenberg ;  the  most  extraordinary  [man]  of  83 
that  I  ever  beheld.  He  is  Prime  Minister  and 
attends  to  all  the  duties  of  the  office ;  works  generally 
till  12  and  i  o'clock;  reads  without  spectacles,  is 
cheerful,  animated ;  fine  teeth  and  features  well  pre- 
served ;  his  voice  as  firm  as  at  40.  Madame  a  very 
charming,  lady-like  woman  about  55  ;  she  presented 
me  /'  "Almanac  de  Gotha"1  in  a  very  beautiful  form, 
as  you  shall  see.) 

Gotha,     Friday,    January     13,     1810.       (That's 

1  The  Duke. 

2  The  little. 

3  For  I'  "Almanack  de  Gotha."     An  annual  register  containing  lists  of  government  officials, 
genealogies  of    German   princely   families,  necrology,  diplomatic  intelligence,  statistics,   etc. 
From  1764  to  1804  it  was  published  in  the  German  language.     Since  that  time  it   has  been  pub- 
lished in  both  French  and  German. 

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Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

impossible,  for  Monday  was  New  Year's.     You  must 
look  back  and  see  where  the  error  commenced.) 

Gotha,  Friday,  January  12,  1810.  You  will  sus- 
pect that  I  have  taken  winter  quarters  at  Gotha.  Not 
quite  so,  nor  is  the  delay  mere  nonchalance1,  but  I  have 
no  time  to  reason  or  explain  or  comment  or  apologize; 
mere  notes  of  facts  is  all  that  I  can  attempt.  We  will 
dilate  and  fill  up  the  canvas  with  the  interesting 
details  (it  is  only  minute  details  that  interest),  viv. 
voc.z  Rose  at  7.  At  9  to  Reichart's.  At  10  came 
in  Mr.  de  Kunkel  to  thank  me  in  the  name  of  S.  A.  R. 
and  in  his  own  and  to  make  compliments,  &c.  I 
gave  him  yesterday  a  small  Swedish  coin  having  a 
good  likeness  of  Gustavus  IV.  which  he  gave  to 
S.  A.  R.  and  whereon  they  had  the  politeness  to  set 
great  value.  It  is  one  of  Gampy's  collection,  but  I've 
got  the  like  or  would  not  have  given  it  to  any  Prince 
or  Princess  in  Europe.  At  12  to  M.  de  Tummel ; 
out ;  left  card.  The  brother  Tummel  is  author  of 
many  pretty  and  very  gallant  things.  The  bussier 
came  in  to  know  whether  I  would  stay  to  dinner;  yes. 
At  2  went  to  dinner  au  Palais.  La  Duchesse  indis- 
posed and  did  not  appear ;  had  my  place.  Dalwigk 
proposed  to  me  to  pass  a  few  minutes  in  her  room 
after  dinner ;  did  so  ;  showed  me  the  picture  of  her 
lover,  which  I  very  honestly  (not  very  kind,  however), 
told  her  I  did  not  like  at  all.  Gave  me  address  of 
him  and  her.  Home  at  5.  At  6  to  the  comedy  as 
agreed  with  M'lle  D.  The  dramatis  person^  you 


1  Heedlessness. 

2  For  viva  tioce.     By  the  living  voice,  orally. 

3  The  cast  of  characters. 


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Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

will  see  in  the  bill  attached  to  this.  The  parts  were 
well  cast  and  played  to  perfection.  I  laughed  a  great 
deal,  as  did  M'lle  D.  Everything  expressed  in  the 
bill  was  really  performed  and  perfectly  well  performed. 
Just  at  this  moment,  10  o'clock,  comes  in  a  huissier 
with  compliments  of  la  petite  Louisa  and  a  bouquet 
of  her  own  drawing  as  "  souvenir."  The  bouquet  is 
really  wonderfully  executed  for  her  years.  The  bor- 
der in  handsome  taste.  You  shall  see  and  judge,  but 
on  examining  I  find  no  name  or  inscription  to  verify 
this  important  transaction.  12  o'clock.  Have  been 
two  hours  about  mus.1  affair  which  failed.  Saw  Miss 
W.,  a  most  lovely  klin.  demir.,  Carol.  Charl.  Wilhelm?-; 
say  1 6.  Have  done  nothing  toward  packing.  But 
the  most  interesting  part  of  the  evening  has  not  been 
told.  At  the  comedy  met  le  min}  le  Baron  de  Tum- 
mel.  He  insisted  that  I  should  take  a  seat  in  his 
coach  with  his  brother  the  author  and  visit  le  Prem. 
Min.4  le  Baron  de  Falkenberg.  Agreed,  though  I 
had  put  off  my  court  paraphernalia  and  was  in  my 
traveling  costume,  having  bonafide*  resolved  to  leave 
Gotha  to-morrow.  Met  le  Baron  de  F.  in  full  dress 
and  in  the  salon6  lo,  the  Duke  himself  and  Madame 
de  F  !  We  five  were  all.  Sat  round  the  tea  table 
and  took  tea.  The  Duke  perfectly  amiable  ;  renewed 
the  subject  of  your  picture ;  found  a  great  deal  of 


I  For  muse. 

z  For  a  most  lovely   Heine  demiref,  Caroline  Charlotte  Wilhelmina.     A  most  lovely  little 
demirep,  etc.     Note  the  mixture  ot  French,  German  and  English. 

J  For  le  Ministre.     The  Minister. 

4  For  le  Premier  Ministre.     The  Prime  Minister. 

5  Latin.     In  good  faith. 

6  The  drawing-room. 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

fault  with  the  painter.  (He  has  taste  and  skill  in  all 
the  fine  arts.)  In  the  original,  said  he,  there  must  be 
dignity,  majesty,  genius,  gentleness,  sensibility — all 
discernible  in  the  picture,  but  imperfectly  expressed ; 
would  have  had  a  copy  if  there  had  been  time;  prom- 
ised to  send  him  one.  He  wished  very  much  that  a 
friend  of  his  in  Paris,  S.  A.  S.*  la  Duchesse  de  C.,  etc. 
should  know  me;  asked  if  I  would  take  a  letter; 
most  certainly.  Le  Ministre  Baron  de  F.,  hearing 
that  /  was  a  coin  and  medal  hunter^  (see  again,  you 
little  villain,  oh,  I  could  choke  you !)  offered  me  sev- 
eral of  the  coins  of  Gotha,  which  are  not  now  seen  in 
circulation.  These  I  peremptorily  and  constantly 
refused,  though  I  did  really  wish  to  add  them  to  my 
collection.  Sat  about  two  hours  and  home  just  before 
10.  The  Duke  took  a  most  affectionate  leave  of  me. 
13.  Couche  i.  Rose  7.  I  shall  really  go  this 
morning;  have  been  very  hard  at  work  packing. 
Your  picture  took  me  ^2  hour  at  least,  you  huzzy, 
you!  Last  night  after  writing  you,  passed  an  hour 
with  the  Baron  Strick.  It  would  seem  that  every 
incident  of  my  life  is  known  throughout  Germany. 
Duels,  treasons,  speeches,  gallantries.  Le  Baron  Str., 
a  young,  handsome  man,  formerly  minister  plenipoten- 
tiary from  Holland  to and  now  chamberlain 


I  The  reader  will  note  the  variation.  This  is  not  S.  A.  R.  There  is  a  difference.  The 
following  explanation  is  taken  substantially  from  Larousse's  great  French  work.  When  about 
the  time  of  Louis  XI.  the  Kings  of  France  had  adopted  the  title  of  Majesti,  that  of  Altesse, 
Highness,  was  given  at  first  to  their  brothers  and  their  children  only.  In  Germany  the  sovereign 
princes,  secular  as  well  as  ecclesiastical,  also  took  the  title  of  Altesse  at  the  epoch  at  which  that 
of  Majeite  came  into  vogue  for  kings.  The  princes  invested  with  the  electorate  were  called 
Altesses  fclectorales,  Electoral  Highnesses.  To-day,  save  a  few  exceptions,  the  title  of  Altesse 
Royale  or  Imperials  belongs  to  all  the  princes  issuing  directly  from  a  king  or  an  emperor  and 
that  of  Altesse  Ser'enissime,  Most  Serene  Highness,  to  their  collaterals. 


368 


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du  roi  de  Prusse1,  accables*  me  with  all  sorts  of  atten- 
tion. Introductions  to  his  friends  at  Eisenach,  Paris, 
Holland.  Indeed,  more  in  this  way  than  I  can  tell. 
He  has  nous  et  connaissances3,  speaks  French,  German, 
and  English ;  knows  everybody  and  is  everywhere 
well  received.  Showed  him  Bollman's4  letter  to  Jef- 
ferson ;  B.'s  conge  au  Sen.5  he  had  seen  before.  Wrote 
early  this  morning  to  la  belle  Baronne  de  Dalwigk 
requesting  that  she  would  prevail  on  ma  Princesse6  to 
add  a  name  and  date  to  the  bouquet,  q.  v.  Just  now 
a  very  kind  note  from  S.  A.  S.  le  Due.  with  a  letter 
addressed  a  S.  \_A.  61.]7  la  Duchesse  de  C.,  q.  v.  Too 
full  of  business  to  write  you  any  more. 

Eisenach,  January  13,  1810.  You  see,  Madame, 
that  in  spite  of  all  your  predictions  to  the  contrary  I 
did  leave  Gotha  to-day  !  For  once  you  were  out.  It 
was  at  yz  p.  i  that  I  got  into  a  chaise  with  horses  post 
extra ;  was  here  at  5.  An  exceptionally  cold  day, 
snowing  a  little,  very  little,  all  day.  It  does  not  know 
how  to  snow  fast  in  this  country.  We  can  snow  more 
in  four  hours  than  they  in  four  days.  All  yesterday 
from  2  in  the  morning  it  snowed  what  they  call  hard 
and  there  is  not  yet  four  inches.  At  leaving  Gotha 
after  passing  the  gate  and  bridge,  (thanks  Mons.  le 
Ministre  de  Tummel,  these  walls  are  now  prostrating 
and  rilling  up  the  ditch),  you  rise  a  hill,  a  gentle 

1  Of  the  King  of  Prussia. 

2  A  hybrid  verb  anglicized  from  the  French  verb  accablcr,  to  overwhelm. 

}     He  has  brains  and  understanding.     Nous  probably  stands  for  the  Greek  VOVff,  mind. 

4  Eric  Bollman.     See  Note  5,  page  517. 

5  For   Conge  au  Sinat.     Aaron  Burr's  farewell  to  the  senate  of  the  United   States  upon  the 
expiration  of  his  term   as   Vice-President,  a  wonderfully  eloquent  production.     It  is  said  that 
nearly  every  senator  was  in  tears  when  Burr  concluded. 

6  My  Princess. 

7  For  a  Son  Altesse  Serinissime.     Her  Most  Serene  Highness. 

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Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

declivity.  It  may  be  called  an  inclined  plain  for  i*/£ 
English  miles.  We  were  forty  minutes  getting  to  the 
summit  and  then  we  were  not  at  the  summit,  for  after 
descending  a  very  little,  we  rose  again  still  higher. 
The  distance  to  this  place  is  about  fifteen  English 
miles.  The  first  ten  or  eleven  you  pass  through  three 
villages.  The  last  two  or  three  miles  (English)  are 
almost  a  continual  village  and  the  country  extremely 
romantic  and  picturesque.  The  preceding  part  is  quite 
an  open  country ;  not  a  tree,  fence,  or  house  except  in 
the  villages  ;  gentle,  bold,  swells  ;  all  the  way  under 
cultivation,  but  let  me  go  back  for  a  moment  to  Gotha. 
Gotha !  I  bear  thee  in  kind  remembrance.  The 
bouquet  was  sent  back  with  the  addition  of  a  name 
and  date  by  the  fair  hand  of  Louisa,  accompanied  by  a 
very  pretty  note  in  English  from  la  Baronne  de  Dal- 
wigk.  Answered  the  note  of  S.  A.  S.  le  Due. 
Received  a  letter  from  de  Reichart  to  his  son-in-law  le 

Baron  de  Goekhausen  at  the  Place1 .      More 

letters  from  le  Baron  de  Strick.  Put  up  a  La  Demi 
Lane*.  Ordered  dinner ;  fish  and  potatoes,  and  sent 
letters  with  my  cards  to  Madame  la  Baronne  de 
Bechtolsheim  nee  Baronne  de  Koller3;  to  M.  de 
Streiber,  conseiller  de  legation  de  S.  A.  S.  Mons'r  le 
Due  Reg 't4  de  Saxe-Weimar-Eisenac  ;  to  M.  le  Baron 
de  Goekhausen  b.  fits  de  Reichert5;  to  M.  de 


1     square. 

2  For  b  la  Demi-Iunc.     At  the   Half-moon. 

3  Julie  Freifrau  (Baroness)  von  Bechtolsheim  (1751-1847),  whose  maiden  name  was  Keller. 
Her  husband   was   Vice-Chancellor  at  Eisenach.     She  was  well  known  in  Germany  as  a  poetess 
under  the  name  of  Psyche,  and  was  a  great  friend  of  the  poet  Wieland. 

4  His  Most  Serene  Highness,  the  reigning    Duke  (Le  Due  Regnant).     There  may  be  a  ques- 
tion as  to  whether  the    abbreviation    Manser  stands  for   Monsieur  or   Monseigneur.     The  latter 
title,  meaning  My  Lord,  was  often  applied  to  the  princes  of  a  sovereign  family. 

5  Reichard's  son-in-law  (beau-fils). 


37° 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Massovius.  The  three  gentlemen  above  named  called 
within  an  hour  and  proposed  various  things  for  my 
amusement.  Agreed  to  meet  the  club  to-night  and  to 

visit to-morrow.      M.   de   Streiber  has  passed 

six  years  in  Great  Britain  and  speaks  perfectly  good 
English.  Passed  an  hour  with  the  club  ;  about  twenty 
gentlemen.  The  Prussian  General  whom  I  met  at 
Gotha ;  quite  another  animal  here.  T  also  le  Baron 
de  Bechtolsheim,  son  of  la  Earonne  above  mentioned. 
It  is  most  unfortunate  that  the  mother  is  absent  on  a 
visit  to  some  friends  near  Erfurt ;  very  unfortunate. 
She  is  one  of  the  most  distinguished  personages  in 
Germany  for  learning,  wit,  talents,  grace,  &c. — la  de 
1'Enclos1  of  the  age  !  Stole  off  from  the  club  at  9  ; 
walked  the  streets  y2  hour  ;  no  accident4.  A  beautiful 
little  town ;  all  white ;  walled  and  fortified.  What 
nonsense  !  This  has  been  much  the  coldest  day  this 
year,  and  really  cold ;  would  be  called  cold  at  Albany, 
but  perfectly  calm. 

14.  Rose  7.  Could  not  keep  myself  warm  in 
bed,  having  ordered  a  mattress,  thin  and  hard,  and  two 
thin  quilts  (called  couvertures] ;  added  my  great  coat. 
At  10  to  the  post-house  to  see  about  diligence;  none 
goes  to  Frankfort  before  Tuesday  P.  M.  and  then  not 
direct,  but  some  miles  about,  and  is  between  three  and 
four  days,  going  day  and  night,  from  this  to  Frank- 
fort, which  by  the  direct  route  is  twenty-one  miles 

I  Anne,  called  Ninon,  de  L'Enclos  (1616-1706)  was  a  noted  French  woman  of  pleasure  who, 
though  leading  a  free  life,  was  never  a  public  courtesan.  She  retained  her  beauty  and  charms 
to  a  very  old  age.  I  n  her  salon  she  received  the  highest  society,  which  has  been  compared  for  its 
tone  with  the  Hotel  de  Rambouillet.  Some  of  the  most  noted  men  of  the  day  were  among  her 
lovers.  If  we  are  to  believe  Voltaire,  Richelieu  was  the  first  of  these. 

a  Here  and  elsewhere  Burr  uses  the  word  accident  to  mean  that  he  sought  an  amorous 
adventure. 

371 


Private     y  o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr. 

German.  What's  to  be  done  ?  Thence  to  le  Baron 
de  Goeckhausen  beau-fils  de  Reichart,  a  sensible  young 
man  ;  staid  but  a  few  minutes.  Thence  to  Massovius's 
and  he  and  I  went  together,  as  invited,  to  breakfast  a 
la  fourchette  with  Streiber.  Met  there  Mr.  M'Intosh, 
a  Scotsman,  who  had  been  many  years  in  North 
America  and  in  Asia  and  Africa  ;  had  an  immense 
fortune  which  he  lost  by  the  French  Revolution  ;  a 
very  intelligent,  amusing  man.  After  breakfast  Mons. 
Streiber  took  me  in  his  sleigh  to  Wilhelmsthal,  chateau 
de  plaisance1  de  Due  de  Weimar  (we  are  here  again  in 

his  dominions).     T:    Mr.    Roese   and    M'lle , 

amie  de  sa  femme2' ;   Madame .     They  all  spoke 

French  very  well.  The  road  is  exceedingly  romantic. 
For  i  y^  English  miles  in  a  very  narrow  valley,  the 
locks  and  mountains  hanging  over  us  ;  then  about  one 
mile  English  rising  the  mountain.  Descending  about 
the  same,  the  chateau,  &c.,  in  a  valley  of  half  a  mile 
diameter  below.  Fires  had  been  ordered  and  we  had 

coffee  and  cakes.      M'lle  de  is  cheerful  and 

pretty.  Home  at  */£  p.  4.  The  cold  most  intense. 
I  was  almost  perished  and  had  to  bake  an  hour  before 
I  got  thawed.  Mr.  Roese,  seeing  that  I  admired  a 
picture  of  the  Duke  of  Weimar  which  we  saw  au 
Chateau1  ^  procured  and  presented  me  one.  At  7  to 
Mr.  de  Streiber's  ;  a  small  club  ;  five  of  each  sex.  T: 
Madame  Roese,  who  is  very  handsome;  she  and  M'lle 
are  both  from  Gotha.  Cards  ;  whist ;  won  a 


1  Literally  castle  (chateau)  of  pleasure  of  the  Duke  (du  Due)  ;  hence  his  villa. 

2  Friend  of  his  wife. 

3  At  the  castle. 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

thaler1.  Supper  with  variety  of  wines.  Home  at  4  n. 
I  much  wished  for  your  sake  to  have  visited  Fancien. 
chateau  de  Wartzbourg2,  which  is  on  the  summit  of  the 
mountain  overhanging  this  town.  You  can  imagine 
nothing  more  romantic  than  the  site.  It  has  been 
famous  in  story  more  than  800  years.  It  is  a  fine 
ruin  but  part  habitable  and  inhabited.  The  singer', 
the  battles,  the  enchantments,  the  imprisonments,  &c., 
render  it  very  famous.  Luther,  too,  was  there  and 
had  some  squabbles  with  the  Devil ;  threw  his  ink- 
stand at  his  Majesty's  head  and  the  marks  of  the  ink 
still  visible.  But  the  snow  and  ice  have  rendered  the 
mountain  impracticable  and  the  castle  absolutely  inac- 
cessible. Mr.  M'Intosh  came  in  this  morning  and 
sat  an  hour.  I  admire  his  constancy  and  his  loyalty. 
He  is  prisoner  on  parole  as  being  a  British  subject ; 
has  corresponded  with  Washington  ;  one  of  the  letters 
now  in  the  museum  at  Weimar.  Met  many  very 
pretty  faces  in  the  streets.  The  lamps  here  are  sus- 
pended on  wire  attached  to  the  houses  on  each  side. 
The  same  in  several  other  towns  and  in  the  Pall 
Maille4,  Altona.  Eisenach  has  9,000  inhabitants5. 

15.  Couche  i.  Rose  7.  Still  colder  than  yes- 
terday but  perfectly  calm.  Called  on  Mr.  Roese  ;  saw 
his  beautiful  wife  and  herjolie  amie6.  Madame  has  lately 
lost  two  children  ;  has  left  a  very  fine  boy  about  3  or 

1  A  German  silver  coin  worth  j  marks  or  between  70  and  75  cents  of  United  States  money. 

2  The  ancient  castle  of  Wartburg.     It  was  founded  in   1067  by  Ludwig  the  Leaper,  Land- 
grave of  Thuringia,  and  was  for  several  centuries  the  residence  of  his  successors.     Many  histori- 
cal remembrances  attach  to  this  spot.    Here  took  place,  for  instance,  the  famous  contest  between 
the  Minnesingers  about  1106.     Luther  was  kept   concealed  in  the  castle  from  May  4,  IJ2I,  to 
March  3,  1522,  during  which  time  he  finished  his  translation  of  the  Bible  into  German. 

3  Probably  for  singers.     See  the  foregoing  note. 

4  It  will  be  remembered  that  Palmaille  is  the  most  fashionable  street  of  Altona. 

5  To-day  it  has  24,000  inhabitants. 

6  Pretty  friend. 

373 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

4  years  old.  Thence  to  General  L.  This  is  the 
General  whom  I  met  chez  le  due  a1  Gotha.  He  is 
now  in  the  service  of  the  King  of  Naples.  Yesterday 
he  sent  me  card  of  invitation  for  this  evening,  which 
accepted.  Thence  to  one  of  the  manufactories,  &c. 
Mr.  de  Streiber.  Home  to  thaw  and  then  walked 
about  the  town  and  environs  for  near  an  hour  ;  inscrip- 
tion on  an  old  building,  "  Hie  sunt  puhis,  umbra, 
nibil1."  Got  home  frozen  stiff,  though  I  had  on  my 
great  coat  and  calashes.  Baked  an  hour  and  then  din- 
ner seul.  Mon  hote*  is  native  of  Hanover  and  speaks 
French  freely  and  is  very  communicative.  He  sus- 
pects that  I  am  an  Englishman  and  has  intimated  how 
much,  &c.,  &c.  This  duchy  separating  from  Weimar 
paid  a  contribution  of  1 50,000  ecus  en  argent*;  more 
than  200,000  troops  have  passed  through ;  always 
maintained  by  the  inhabitants  ;  free  quarters,  which 
must  have  been  more  than  double  the  contribution. 
Recollect  that  the  Duke  of  Weimar  was  in  arms 
against  the  Emperor  at  this  time.  At  4  came  Mr.  de 
Streiber  to  inform  me  of  the  best  means  of  getting  to 
Frankfort.  The  best  will  be  the  expense  of  about  25 
dollars.  The  worst,  *'.  e.,  diligence  which  goes  a 
circuitous  route  and  is  three  days  and  three  nights  on  the 
way  always  going,  would  be  about  12.  Truly,  as  the 
weather  is  and  is  like  to  be,  I  should  not  like  to  hazard 
my  precious  carcass  in  a  wagon  without  springs  and 
badly  covered,  three  days  and  nights.  At  y2  p.  6  to 

1  At  the  Duke's  at  Gotha. 

2  Latin.     "  Here  are  dust,  shade, nothing." 
J     For  mon  hote.     My  host. 

4     150,000  crowns  (ecus)  in  money  or  silver. 

374 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

General  Letocq's  ;  a  very  elegant  party  ;  the  rooms  in 
very  beautiful  style.  It  is  the  house,  the  rooms,  the 
furniture,  and  the  taste  of  Madame  la  Baronne  de 
Beckholsteim1.  Her  son  was  of  the  party,  a  very 
accomplished  young  man  with  a  lovely  wife  to  whom 
he  was  married  a  few  months  ago.  T  also  la  Gotha- 
rienne1.  Cards,  chess,  supper.  I  played  two  games 
chess  with  the  General  and  won  both.  It  was  a  very 
cheerful  party.  Mon.  ,  a  young  man  of  for- 
tune, of  talents  and  learning,  would  bring  me  home  in 
his  carriage.  Chez  moi  at  y2  p.  n.  Not  so  cold. 

Mon. ,  who  keeps  regular  meteorological  notes, 

told  me  this  evening  that  the  thermometer  (ReamurV) 
was  at  7  o'clock  this  morning  at  205^  below  o  and  at 
8,  I9X>  and  that  for  ten  years  the  cold  has  not  been 
so  intense  by  many  degrees. 

Hiinnefeld,  January  16, 1810,  12  at  night.  Rose  at 
7.  Went  early  to  the  post-office  to  see  about  diligence. 
It  is  expected  at  2,  but  after  much  deliberation  resolved 
to  take  post-horses  to  Fulda,  whence  a  very  convenient 
diligence  goes  on  Thursday  to  Frankfort.  Called  on 
Streiber  at  his  manufactory  and  sent  card  of  conge  to  Gen- 
eral Letocq.  At  2  set  out.  About  two  English  miles 
winding  round  the  mountains  along  narrow  valleys. 
Ascend  mountain  and  descending  the  same,  pass  a  small 
town.  At  two  miles  German  from  Eisenac  to  Berka, 
where  changed  horses  and  car.  Two  miles  to  Vach4, 
where  change  again.  Three  miles  more  to  this  place, 

•MMMM 

I     For  Bechtolshcim. 

1.     The  lady  from  Gotha. 

J  In  the  Reaumur  thermometer  the  freezing-point  is  marked  zero,  and  the  space  between 
this  and  the  boiling-point  is  divided  into  80  degrees.  Hence  ioj^°  Rdaumur  is  about  14°  below 
zero,  Fahrenheit;  19%°  Reaumur  being  about  iz°  below  zero  Fahrenheit. 

4     For  Vacha. 

375 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

frozen  to  an  icicle  and  so  resolve  to  thaw  and  bake  till  7. 
Hannau,  January  17,  1810.  Laid  on  a  sofa  last 
night  without  undressing.  Rose  at  7.  Got  breakfast 
and  at  8  continued  my  route ;  bitter,  bitter  cold. 
Arrived  at  Fulda  at  10  ;  formerly  the  sovereignty  of  the 
Bishop  of  Fulda;  beautifully  situate  in  an  extensive  val- 
ley on  the  small  river  Fulda.  Though  a  small  town  of 
about  10,000  inhabitants,  it  exhibits  much  magnificence. 
You  see  twelve  or  fifteen  steeples  or  towers  as  you 
approach ;  in  every  direction  chateaus,  rows  of  trees. 
There  are  many  things  here  worthy  of  notice,  but  the 
distressing  intelligence  that  no  diligence  goes  hence  till 
Sunday  left  me  the  sad  alternative  of  either  waiting  here 
four  days  or  continuing  in  the  same  expensive  way. 
Resolved  on  the  latter  and  ordered  horses  immediately. 
While  they  were  getting,  walked  about  the  town.  This 
being  a  Catholic  bishop  everything  is  stamped  with  that 
character  ;  crosses,  &c.,  on  the  houses  ;  the  mile-posts  a 
crucifix  ten  or  fifteen  feet  high  with  a  wooden  Christ  as 
large  as  life  ;  some  lines  carved  on  stone.  The  Bishop 
still  resides  here  with  a  provision  of  40,000  florins  from 
the  great  Emperor.  The  Bishop  was  dethroned  some 
years  ago  by  the  Prince  of  Orange.  "Sic  vos  non  Vobis"*. 

I  Burr  refers  here  to  a  celebrated  tradition,  which  is  worth  taking  entire  from  Brewer's 
"  The  Reader's  Handbook."  The  tale  is  that  Vergil  wrote  an  epigram  on  Augustus  Caesar, 
which  so  much  pleased  the  Emperor  that  he  desired  to  know  who  was  the  author.  As  Vergil 
did  not  claim  the  lines,  one  Bathyllus  declared  they  were  his.  This  displeased  Vergil,  and  he 
wrote  these  four  words,  Sic  vos  non  vobii  (so  you  not  to  you)  four  times  at  the  commencement 
of  four  lines,  and  Bathyllus  was  requested  to  finish  them.  This  he  could  not  do,  but  Vergil 
completed  the  lines  thus  : 

Sic  vos  non  vobis  nidijieatis  avei; 
Sic  vos  nun  vobis  villera  fertii  oves; 
Sic  -vat  non  vobis  mellificatis  apes; 
Sic  vos  non  vobis  fertis  aratra  haves. 
Not  for  yourselves  your  nests  ye  song-birds  build; 
Not  for  yourselves  ye  sheep  your  fleeces  bear; 
Not  for  yourselves  your  hives  ye  bees  have  filled ; 
Not  for  yourselves  ye  oxen  draw  the  share. 


Private     y  ourn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Arrived  here  at  1 1  and  after  giving  my  name  and 
other  particulars  am  allowed  to  go  to  bed  and  write 
this  while  I  am  thawing.  You  will  see  from  your 
map  that  Hannau  is  on  the  Main  about  two  or  three 
miles  English  before  arriving  here.  Looked  out  and 
found  we  were  on  a  perfect  plain.  Till  then  or  there- 
abouts it  was  continual  mountain  and  hill ;  but  the 
road  excellent  and  at  every  ^  mile  German  a  town  or 

village,  but  I  ought  not  to  omit  that  at ,  but 

Gamp  is  stiff  and  tired.  Will  do  something  at  Frank- 
fort ;  about  vineyards  and  the  beautiful  title  de  mr.  de 
poste1. 

Frankfort,  January  18,  1810.  Arrived  at  10 
this  morning.  A  continued  plain ;  a  ridge  about  one 
English  mile  off  on  the  right  (scarcely  visible  by 
reason  of  the  fog  and  mist  which  is  eternal).  Have 
not  seen  a  clear  American  sky  since  left  the  United 
States  ;  (something  like  it  in  Sweden).  Approaching 
the  ridge  as  you  approach  the  town,  it  is  seen  covered 
with  vineyards  and  beautiful  little  houses.  I  took 
quarters  as  advised  by  Reichard,  a  rEmpereur  Romain 
(Romische  keyser^^  and  as  usual,  was  shown  into  the 
third  story  ;  the  room,  however,  is  decent  and  com- 
fortable ;  those  on  the  first  floor  (second  story)  are  all 
occupied.  Sent  letters  to  Mons.  de  Bethmann,  consul 

de    Russie1  and   ;    to  Messrs,  freres   Bestina, 

n'egt  et  banquiers*;  to  Messrs.  Bansa  et  fils,  banquiers. 


I  For  fill e  du  maitre  de  foste.     Daughter  of  the  postmaster. 

4  For  <i    I'Emfcreur  Romain  xum  Rimischen  Kaiser.       At  the  sign   of  the  Roman  Emperor. 

3  Russian  Consul. 

4  To  Bestina  Brothers  (Frires),  merchants  or  brokers  (nigocianti)  and  bankers. 


377 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

and  cards  to  Chiron,  Sarasin  et  Co.,  banquiers  (my 
bankers  !  !).  To  le  Comte  de  Beuste  beau  pere  de  la  belle 
Comtesse  de  Beuste  a  Weimar  dont  je  vous  ai  park  sur 
le  nom  de1  de  Peystre,  which  is  the  allemande*  pronunci- 
ation of  de  Beuste.  M.  le  Comte  de  B.  is  Premier 
Ministre  and  in  the  absence  of  the  Prince  Primate,  who 
is  now  at  Paris,  represents  royalty  here.  To  Mons. 

le   Gen'l.    Com.  Sweyer.     To  Commissaire  de 

Police*.  These  commissaires  de  •police  are  fellows  very 
formidable  to  strangers.  Presently  came  in  the  valet 
de  Mr.  de  Bethmann  to  request  that  I  would  dine 
with  him  to-day  at  i.  This  was  doing  things  right — 
aV  allemange* — but  the  hour  surprised  me.  Went  at 
i  to  dinner.  A  magnificent  establishment.  He  is 
garcon*;  his  mother  (60)  lives  with  him  and  does  the 
honors  of  the  house  with  great  civility  and  real  hos- 
pitality. There  were  about  fifteen.  A  mother  and 
daughter  of  the  celebrated  name  of  Euler6  and  nearly 
related  to  that  distinguished  man ;  another  young 
lady  ;  the  French  intendant  of  all  the  French  provinces 
in  Germany ,  a  very  intelligent,  well-bred  man  ;  Mr. 

,  a  young  man   much   resembling  Otto.     Sat, 

but  the  two  Eulers  and  the  mother  recommended  to 
me  to  talk  to  her  daughter,  who,  she  said,  spoke 
French  much  better  than  herself.  I  obeyed  her  and 


I     Count  de  Beuste,  father-in-law  (beau-fire)  of  the  handsome  Counteu  de  Beuste  at  Weimar, 
whom  I  have  mentioned  to  you  under  the  name  of,  etc. 
z     The  German  pronunciation. 

3  Police  Commissary. 

4  For  a  /'  altcmandt.     After  the  German  fashion. 

5  For^arjon.     Bachelor. 

6  Leonhard  Euler  (1707-1783)   was  a  celebrated  Swiss  mathematician  whose  long  life  was 
divided  about  equally  between   Switzerland,  Germany,  and    Russia.     Although  blind  for  many 
years  he  wrote  a  multitude  of  treatises  on  mathematics.     Indeed,  it  is  «aid  that  he  wrote  more 
than  half  of  all  the  forty-six  quarto  volumes  published  by  the  St.  Petersburg  Academy  between 
1727  and  1783. 


378 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

was  much  amused.  A  sensible,  amiable  girl  of  17. 
Home  at  5.  Immediately  after  my  return  home 
received  under  cover  from  Bethmann  tickets  of  admis- 
sion to  the  Casino,  to  the  Musee1,  and  to  the  Cabinet 
Liter  air  e1,  three  charming  lounging  places  ;  the  first 
and  last  under  the  same  roof;  a  most  elegant  estab- 
lishment ;  the  other  opposite  and  appropriate  to  its 
name.  The  receptacle  and  place  of  exhibition  of  the 
productions  of  Frankfort  artists.  Mr.  Bethmann 
called  in  the  P.  M.  and  we  went  to  the  Casino  and  Cab. 
Lit.  where  you  meet  persons  of  the  first  grade  and  no 
others.  The  nature  of  the  establishment  and  how 
maintained  must  be  explained  verbally.  You  find 
here  a  library  ;  new  publications  ;  all  the  gazettes  and 
periodical  publications  of  Europe  ;  maps,  ditto.  Can 
have  any  refreshment  and  any  meal.  To  the  Comedie 
Alemande*.  The  opera  of  "  Camilla."  Being  perfectly 
acquainted  with  the  story,  having  read  the  French 
translation  while  at  Stockholm,  of  which  you  will  find 
a  note  and  a  comment,  "  La  Souterrain"*,  I  was  much 
amused.  The  theatre  is  convenient  and  handsome 
without  being  splendid.  The  parts  well  performed ; 
the  orchestra  excellent ;  one  superior  male  voice  and 
two  good  female ;  the  best  a  lady  from  Vienna  who 
has  married  and  left  the  stage,  but  loves  the  business 

and  performs  when  she  likes.     She  was ,  the 

nephew,  and  was  quite  at  her  ease  en  cava/lier*. 
Madame ,  formerly  M'lle .  Left  the 


1  For  Musit.     Museum. 

2  For  Cabinet  Litirairt,     Literary  rooms  (or  quarters). 

3  For  La  Cemidie  Alltmandt.     German  Comedy,  a  theatre. 

4  For  "  Lt  Sautirrain."     "  The  Vault." 

5  For  in  cavalitr.     At  a  cavalier.     See  Glossary. 


379 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Comedie  at  the  second  act,  being  very  cold  and  having 
an  engagement  proper  to  warm  me.  All  this  is  writ- 
ten ;  no,  not  all,  but  this  and  the  preceding  page  with 
a  personage  in  the  room.  My  tea  is  ready,  the  good 
Liining's  Caravan  tea,  and  other  matters  claim  my 
attention.  Eon  soir. 

19.  I  have  none  but  this  great  thick  ugly  paper 
which  you  hate  so  and  it  is  now  too  late  to  get  other, 
so  this  or  nothing.  Very  pleasant  night.  Rose  at  7. 
Received  cards  from  le  Gen.  Comt.1  Baron  de  Sweyer 
and  le  Comte  de  Beuste,  who  ought  to  have  been 
first  named.  Card  from  Chiron  &  Sarasin.  My 
landlord  sent  to  know  whether  it  would  please  his 
Excellency  to  have  a  larger  room  and  on  first  floor. 
Yes,  certainly  ;  but  not  to-day.  The  embarras*  of 
moving  to-morrow  morning.  You  see  how  things  go. 
Mr.  Elsinger,  "  libraire  tres  celebre"*,  sent  a  clerk  with 
a  civil  message  tendering  his  services,  new  publications, 
etc.,  this  at  the  instigation  of  Bethmann.  A  man  of 
grave  appearance,  d'un  certain  age4,  dressed  and  pow- 
dered, presented  himself.  I  supposed  him  to  be  mare- 
chale  de  la  cour.5  He  undeceived  me  by  saying  that  he 
understood  I  wanted  a  commissionaire  d 'affaire6.  Then 
I  concluded  he  was  merely  a  broker  and  told  him  it 
was  a  mistake,  that  I  had  no  sort  of  business  to  tran- 
sact. He  bowed  and  said  he  had  been  sent  to  me  by 
the  landlord,  and  "  Pray,  sir,  qulques  especes  d'affaires 

I  For  It  Genera!  Commandant.     The  commanding  general, 

l  Embarrassment. 

3  For  libraire  tris  celetre.     Very  noted  bookseller. 

4  An  old  French  expression  meaning  an  elderly  man  (age). 

5  Court  Marshal. 

6  For  commisiionnaire  ^affaires.     Messenger,  servant. 

380 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

est  de  votre  Etat."  Pour  faire  vos  petites  commissions 
de  Morir.  Apportez  ses  messages,  nettoyer  ses  habits  et 
bottes"1.  Mr.  Kayser  was  received  as  valet  de  -place1. 
To  Bethmann's  at  1 2  ;  out.  Saw  Madame  sa  mere. 
To  Casino  ;  read  newspapers  and  saw  and  was  intro- 
duced to  many  people.  Staid  till  3  to  avoid  the  hour 
of  dinner  which  is  at  i  ;  an  hour  at  which  it  would  be 
useless  to  me.  Bethmann  engages  me  to  dine  with 
his  sister  on  Sunday  and  with  himself  on  Monday. 
Young  Mons.  Bansa,  who  is  nephew  of  de  Streiber, 
came  in  this  morning  to  offer  civilities  ;  a  very  pleas- 
ant young  man.  At  6  to  Casino,  it  being  ladies'  night. 
There  were  perhaps  100  people,  about  equal  of  each 
sex.  The  ladies  who  most  caught  my  attention 

were   la    Princesse  de    ;    her   compagnone*    la 

Baronne    de    ,    and    M'lle     la    Baronne    de 

Ende.  There  were  many  very  handsome ;  several 
handsome  men  there.  "  Sir,  allow  me  to  interrupt 
you  to  ask  who  is  that  beautiful  creature  with  the 
black  bonnet !"  "  That,  sir,  is  my  dauhgter  ;  shall  I 
have  the  honor  to  present  you  ?"  "  Pray,  Count, 
what  fine,  voluptuous  woman  was  that  you  were  just 
now  talking  with  ?"  "  Who,  the  very  one  with  the 
bon.  rouge4?"  "  Exactly  her,  a  most  striking  figure." 
"  That,  sir  is  my  wife."  "  Ha,  ha!  Vertex  id  ma  chere. 
Mons.  le  C.  B.  desire  vous  connaitre"3.  This  was  rather 
too  much  for  one  evening.  Having  two  other 

I  "  Pray,  sir,  some  kinds  of  business  belong  to  your  station  (quelques  esfices  d'affaires  sent 
de  votre  itat);  to  do  Monsieur's  little  errands;  to  bring  (af farter)  his  messages,  clean  bis 
clothes  and  boots." 

Z    Courier. 

J     For  comfagnt.     Female  companion. 

4  For  tunnel  rouge.     Red  bonnet. 

5  "  Ha,  ha  !     Come  hither,  my  dear  (chire);  Colonel  Burr  wants  to  make  your  acquaintance  " 
(desire  voui  connaitre). 

381 


Private     J  o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

engagements  was  obliged  to  go  at  7  to  la  Musee1, 
which  is  open  every  other  Friday  evening  for  exhibi- 
tion and  declamation  and,  as  I  presumed,  on  subjects 
of  science.  On  entering,  a  very  comely  and  very 
young  lady  was  on  the  rostrum  declaiming  with  much 
grace  and  animation,  at  which  made  great  eyes.  It 
was  an  actress  ;  her  manner  was  very  pleasing.  To 
the  concert  au  maison  rouge  *.  T:  Mons.  Elsinger,  who 
introduced  me  to  Mr.  Gerning,  author  of  "  Travels  in 

Italy  "  and  Legations  Rath*;  also  Madame ,  la 

eel.  actrice  de  Fierine*,  who  sang.  The  music  really 
fine,  surfouf5  the  horn  which  was  played  in  a  style  I 

had   never  witnessed.     T  also  Mr. ,  a  man  of 

fortune  and  consequence,  with  his  mistress,  a  very 
pretty,  modest-looking  girl  to  whom  everybody  spoke 
with  civility  and  respect  as  to  other  dames.  Back 
again  at  y2  p.  8  to  the  Casino,  to  which  the  principal 
inducement  was  d'Ende.  There  were  perhaps  a  dozen 
card  tables ;  some  backgammon,  but  all  the  most 
beautiful  women  were  walking  the  floor  in  the  suite  of 
rooms,  five  or  six,  well  lighted  and  perfectly  well 
warmed  and  perfumed.  "  Prey,  M'lle,  is  there  any 
law  forbidding  a  gentleman  to  walk  with  a  lady?" 
"  Poh !  folie !  Comment  peut  jy  avoir  un  tel  loi." 
"  Mais  done,  nestce  pas,  contre  les  bienseances  ?"  "  'Tout 
au  contraire"  "  Alors  cest  permi  que  je  marche  avec 


I  The  word  musce,  museum,  has  been  degraded  somewhat  in  most  languages  from  its  origi- 
nal Greek  signification  of  a  temple  of  the  Muses,  a  place  for  study.  Here  it  seems  to  possess 
somewhat,  at  least,  of  the  better  signification. 

Z     To  the  Red  House  (a  /a,  etc.). 

J     For  Legatiansrat.     Councilor  of  Legation. 

4  For  la  celibn  actrice,  etc.     The  celebrated  actress  from  Vienna. 

5  Especially. 


382 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

vous?"  "  Certainement"1.  So  I  did  an  hour.  No 
other  male  walked  with  a  lady.  Le  Baron  d'Ende, 
who  is  charge  d'affaires  de  la  cour  de  Saxe-Gotha1,  told 
me  he  had  received  a  letter  from  the  venerable  Falk- 
enberg  about  one  A.  B.3,  requesting  his  attentions,  &c., 
&c.  Very  good  in  Mons.  de  F.  Met  also  General 
Baron  Sweyer,  Commt*  and  le  Comte  de  Beuste ;  le 

Baron   de  ,   marecbal  de  la   Cour  de  , 

which  is  only  a  mile  off,  et  mult,  al.*  Forgot  to  get 
paper  and  so  you  must  receive  another  of  thisgrossiere6. 

Home  at  10.     Le  Baron  de came  in  and  gave 

me  a  very  pressing  invitation  to  visit  him  au  chateau  de1 

.     Went  in  to  see  the  table  d'hote.     Madame 

etsafille;  tres  gentille*.  A  French  Colonel ;  German 
Major  Hussard9.  Nothing  very  remarkable,  but  told 
me  they  had  expected  me  to  dinner. 

20.     Coucbe  i.     Lev.*].     Wrote  General , 

commandant  at  Mayence,  enclosing  the  letter  of  General 
St.  Simon  and  requesting  that  he  would  enquire 
whether  my  passport  had  been  sent  from  Paris.  Note 
to  Chiron  &  Sarasin  about  exchange  of  money.  Sor. 
at  ii  to  Elsinger's  to  faultier10  in  his  library.  Think 
to  buy  you  a  dictionary  and  something  for  Gampy  to 
be  sent  to  Hamburg.  At  12  to  Casino.  At  2  to  the 
Musee,  which  is  open  from  2  to  4  P.  M.  once  a 

I  u  Pshaw  !  Nonsense  !  How  can  there  be  such  a  law  (une  telle  loi)  .'"  "  But  all  the  same 
it's  contrary  to  decorum  (Its  bieniiances),  isn't  it  (n\it-ci  fat)  ?  "  Quite  the  contrary."  "  Then 
it  is  allowable  (Scit  fermis)  for  me  to  walk  with  you  ?"  "  Certainly." 

l     Of  the  Court  of  Saxe-Gotha. 

3  Aaron  Burr. 

4  For   Commandant.     In  command. 

5  For  et  multl  alii.     And  many  others. 

6  For  ct  f  after  grassier.     This  coarse  paper. 

7  At  the  castle  of . 

8  Very  pretty. 

9  A  German  major  of  the  hussars. 
10     To  rummage. 

383 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

fortnight  to  see  the  paintings.  None  but  the  works 
of  Frankfort  artists  are  admitted.  The  day  being 
cold  the  company  was  less  than  usual.  A  few  ladies. 
Madame  Calvina  and  her  sister ;  M'lles  are  both 
handsome ;  the  former  striking,  a  veuve1.  M'lle 
Koch,  an  artiste2,  is  very  pleasing,  and  many  others 
handsome,  but  I  have  not  yet  a  decided  preference. 
Home  at  y2  p.  4-  After  dinner  walked  the  streets  an 
hour.  Some  folly,  not  expensive.  Tea  at  7  and  at 
y%  p.  8  by  appointment,  Lisette.  Sent  card  to-day  to 
Baron  d'Ende,  which  was  immediately  returned  by 
visit  in  person.  Mr.  Sarasin  called  this  afternoon  and 
sat  an  hour. 

21.  Couche  i.  Rose  7.  Tro.  fa.  y2  gui.J  Je 
vous  dem.,  f,ooo  pardons*.  At  10  to  Mons.  Legations 
Rath  Gerning.  Happening  to  mention  les  d'Imh.5 
he  avowed  himself  the  lover  de  I'ainee6.  He  has  some 
choice  paintings  and  some  very  curious  antiquities 
from  the  Herculaneum  and  other  places  in  Italy. 
Among  the  things  brasses  and  iron  stamps  with  letters 
and  names ;  evidently  for  marking  things,  which 
ought  to  have  led  to  the  invention  of  printing.  Some 
fine  Etruscan  vases.  At  12  to  d'Ende's.  Le  Baron 
out,  but  les  dem  s1  received  me  ;  sat  yz  hour.  Ma  belle 
which  is  the  cad*  has  lost  nothing  at  the  second 
inspection  ;  pleasing,  not  dangerous  like  that  infernal 

1  A  widow. 

2  A  female  artist. 

3  For  trof  fatigue,  too  tired,  or  trap  faible,  too  weak  ;   yz  guinea. 

4  I  beg  a  thousand  pardons.      (  Je  vous  demande  mille  pardons.) 

$  For  d'Imhoffs.     A  family  whose  acquaintance  Burr  made  in  Sweden. 

6  For  de  1'  ainee.     Of  the  elder  or  eldest. 

7  For  lei  demoiselles.     The  girls. 

8  My  beauty,  who  is  the  younger.     (Cadette.) 

384 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Tinte1.  Home.  Note  from  Bethmann  that  he 
would  call  at  2  to  take  me  to  dinner.  To  Madame 
Hohlweg's.  T:  her  daughter  and  child ;  two  sons  ; 
la  belle  Viennienne,  actrice1'^  a  modest,  sensible,  amiable 

woman,    also    pretty.     T  also   Mons. ,  whom 

met  at  the  concert  au  sail1.  At  6  to  Mr.  Sarasin's ; 
having  met  him  in  the  street  to-day  he  asked  me  to 
dine  ;  being  engaged  was  obliged  to  decline,  so  went 
this  evening.  A  pleasant  family  party  of  a  dozen. 
Came  in  also  Madame  Dumont  et  M'lle  sa  soeur  de 
Mayence4;  M'lle  bel?  Talso  a  very  sensible,  sprightly, 
well-informed  young  lady,  pas  fro  jeu6  but  pleasant. 
Tea,  &c.  Home  at  9.  Smoked  and  wrote  your 
Journal. 

22.  Couche  i.  Lev.  8.  At  1 1  took  hack  and 
went  to  Eisenbourg7  to  see  le  Baron  de  Wallschmitt, 
marechal  de  cour  du  Prince  d' Eisenbourg8;  out,  but  sat 
yz  hour  with  la  baronne.  A  very  pretty  promenade. 
Home  at  i  and  at  y2  p.  i  to  dine  with  Bethmann. 

Y  encore1*  Madame et  sa  fille  ;   Madame , 

whose  mart10  is  partner  of  Gogel11  whom  I  saw  at  Goth- 
enburg, a  very  charming  woman,  speaking  French  and 
English  ;  1'Abbe  ,  editeur  du  "  Journal  de 


1  Does  he  not  refer  to  de  Reizenstein,  "  the  sorceress  of  Weimar  "  J     Was  her  name  Tinte 
or  is  there  a  reference  to  her  character  in  the  word  T»'nr«,  which  means  ink  in  German  ! 

2  The  beautiful  actress  from  Vienna. 

}     Possibly  for  dans  la  (or  a  la)  salle  de  sfectacle.     In  the  show  room,  in  the  theatre. 

4  Her  sister  from  Mayence  [on  the  Rhine]. 

5  For  M'lle  est  belle. 

6  For  fas  trap  jeune.     None  too  young,  i.  «.,  rather  old. 

7  Eisenberg  is  a  city  in   the   duchy  of  Saxe-Altenburg.     From  1675  it  was  the  capital  of  the 
duchy  of  Saxe-Eisenberg,  which  afterwards  was  merged  into  that  of   Gotha,  and  later  into  that 
of  Saxe-Altenburg. 

8  Court  Marshal  of  the  Prince  of  Eisenberg. 

9  There  again  [were],  etc. 

10  Husband. 

11  Here  the  name  Gogel  is  spelled  correctly  by  Burr,  but  when  in  Sweden  he  spelled  it  Gogle. 


385 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

Frank"1.  On  trouve  beaucoup  de  A.  B.2  After  dinner 
much  and  bizarre  about  America5.  Home  at  5.  At 
7  Mr.  Fuchs,  who  had  sent  me  a  ticket  for  the  ball, 
called  with  his  carriage  to  take  me.  There  were  about 
100  ladies,  a  great  many  very  handsome,  and  many 
dancing  very  well.  Les  deux  souers  d'Ende4  were  there. 
Princesse  Marie  et*  beautiful ;  two  Mayerhoffs 
(baronnes  or  confesses],  very  handsome ;  a  little 

,  in  blue,  lovely  ;   M'lle le  ainet6  black, 

elegant,  striking  ;  forms  a  resemblance  stronger  than 
I  have  ever  seen  to  a  person  once  dear  to  you  and  me  ; 

Mons. ,  brother  of  the  Elector  of  Hesse,  very 

civil ;  le  Prince  de  Hesse  pere  de  Marie  ;  la  Duchesse 

de   ,    les  cbev.  jaun.1      But    my    attention    to 

beauty  was  interrupted  by  a  communication  from 
young  Bansa  that  he  had  answer  from  Mayence  and 
that  my  passport  had  not  arrived  !  !  No  answer  from 
Meynier,  which  looks  black,  also. 

23.      Certainly,  Madame,  you  owe  me  great  obli- 
gations for  writing  you  at  all,  at  this  moment,  lo  !  the 

catastrophe  of  my  hopes.      Mr.  called  at   10 

this  morning  and  with  an  air  of  mystery,  with  hesita- 
tion and  unaffected  embarrassment,  said  that  he  had  a 
letter  from  his  friend  at  Mayence  advising  not  only 
that  no  passport  for  me  had  been  received,  but  there 
were  advices  from  Paris  concerning  me  extremely 

j     Editor  of  the  Frankfort  "  Journal  "  f 

2.  This  may  mean,  Many  Aaron  Burr's  arc  found,  or  else  it  stands  for  on  trouve  beaucouf  a 
rtdire  a  A.  B.,  which  means,  Much  fault  is  found  with  Aaron  Burr.  Possibly  he  may  mean 
that  people  find  much  in  Aaron  Burr. 

3  Much  strange  talk  about  America. 

4  The  two  D'Ende  sisters.     (Soeurs.) 

5  For  tst.     Is. 

6  Probably  for  I'ainie.     The  elder. 

7  For  les  cheveux  jaunes.     Yellow  hair. 

386 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

unfavorable,  and  requesting  I  might  be  advised  by  no 
means  to  hazard  my  person  within  the  territories  of 
France.  After  thanking  him  for  the  communication, 
I  told  him  I  should  go  to-morrow  to  Mayence,  which 
you  know  is  now  in  France,  and  asked  a  line  of  intro- 
duction to  his  friend.  He  seemed  to  consider  my 
resolution  as  madness  and  very  delicately  declined 
giving  a  letter  from  the  danger  which  might  ensue 
from  any  apparent  communication  with  me.  At  1 1  to 
Bethmann's.  Saw  him  in  his  com.1  house,  a  vast 
establishment,  and  after,  his  mother  au  chateau2 '.  Some 
current  conversation  ;  thence  to  Sarasin's  to  whom  I 
told  the  story.  He  is  not  frightened  and  voluntarily 
offered  a  letter  to  his  friend  at  Mayence.  To  Abbe 

,  where  sat  ^  hour.     Thence  to  Casino,  where, 

among  others,  saw  Mon.  Conertagen  Farci ;  engaged 
to  dine  with  him  at  the  hotel  where  he  lodges.  Went 
at  i.  A  very  pretty  sensible  landlady  au  Cygne  blanc*. 
He  came  home  with  me  to  smoke  a  segar  in  my 
room.  Engaged  to  meet  me  at  the  theatre  au  paterre* 
and  to  show  me  a  beautiful  woman.  At  6  au  theatre*. 
The  orchestra  was  the  best  I  ever  heard  ;  the  scenery 
very  fine.  M'lle  was  there ;  really  beautiful,  but 
engaged.  Two  gentlemen  near  me  successively 
addressed  me  by  name  and  in  French.  One  volun- 
tarily served  me  as  interpreter  with  M'lle,  who  spoke 
French  imperfectly.  Finally  *  *  *  *6  her  from  her 

1  For  Comftoir.     Counting-house. 

2  At  the  castle  or  mansion.     (Chateau.) 

5  At  the  [sign  of  the]  White  Swan — the  name  of  the  hotel. 

4  For  au  parterre.      In  the  pit. 

5  For  au  theatre.     To  the  theatre. 

6  An  undecipherable  word,  possibly  intended  for  took  or  tricked. 

387 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

paramour  and  home  to  sup  with  me.  But  first  to  her 
lod.1  Mons.  attended  me  thither  lest  some  mischief 
might  befal2  me.  Jean't5  returned  home  at  12,  per- 
haps to  fulfill  an  engagement.  Really  beautiful  and 
extremely  bizarre*.  On  entering  my  room  this  evening 
found  on  my  table  a  very  polite  letter  from  General 
Meynier ;  too  polite.  "  No  passport  has  been 
received  nor  any  notice  of  the  application,"  but  noth- 
ing further.  Continue  in  the  determination  to  go  to 
Mayence  to  know  the  state  of  things,  but  must  stay 
to  the  masquerade  ball  to-morrow  and  to  sup  with 

,  on  invitation  of  Sarasin,  who  promises  there 

shall  be  belles}  La  bel.b  Calvina  was  at  theatre  and 
witnessed  all  the  maneuvres  of  bu.7 ;  probably  100 
others ;  so  reputation  ruined.  Written  from  1 2  to  i 
Tuesday  night. 

24.  At  10  chex  Sarasin;  12  a  Casino.  T ':  Le 
Comte  de  Rode,  c.  d.  mm.  plen.  de  Prus.  a  Madrid  et 
Lisbon8;  /ejeune  Comte  de  Westphalen9 ;  Alexander 
Goutard ;  le  Prince  Frederic  de  Hesse.  Pas  din.10 
Alexander  G.  invited  me  to  pass  the  evening  on  Sun- 
day. At  4  Comte  de  Rode  called  with  his  carriage  to 
take  me  to  Prince  Frederic's.  T  sa  fern,  et  six  dam. 
d'hon."  Home  and  dressed  for  evening.  At  6  le 

1  Lodgings. 

2  So  in  the  MS. 

3  For  Jeannette. 

4  Same  meaning  as  in  English. 

5  Beauties. 

6  For  la  belle. 

7  For  Burr. 

8  For  ci-devant  Ministre  Plinipotentiaire  de  Prune  a  Madrid  et  Lisbon.      Formerly  Minis- 
ter Plenipotentiary  of  Prussia  at  Madrid  and  Lisbon. 

9  For  Westfalen,  the  German  name  of  the  province  Westphalia,  since  1815  a  part  of  Prussia, 
but  from  1807  to  the  Congress  of  Vienna  in  181 ;  a  kingdom.     Napoleon  formed  it  out  of  various 
German  provinces  and  gave  it  to  his  brother  Jerome. 

10  For  Pas  de  diner.     Or  Je  n  ai  fas  dine.      No  dinner. 

11  For  T  sa  femme  et  six  dames  d '  honneur.     His  wife  and  six  maids  of  honour  were  there, 

388 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Comte  called  again  and  took  me  to  see  Son  Altesse  la 

Duchesse  de .      T  sa  fl.  divor.     Bel.  embon.  yeu. 

noi.1  Home  at  7  and  soon  after  Mr.  Sarasin  called 
with  his  carriage  and  took  me  to  pass  evening  and 

sup  chez  sa  parente*  Madame .     T  an  assemble 

de  50*.     Cards.     Conversation.  Kfamille  interressante 

de  Vienne*.     Madame nee   Goutard  ;  j>  dem.  et 

I  fils.  L'ainee*  speaking  fluently  English.  A  very 
elegant  supper  and  very  cheerful.  At  1 1  au  bal 
masque6  given  at  the  theatre.  Holbein's  "  Danse"7. 
Staid  with  Sarasin  till  4  this  morning  (Thursday). 

Mayence,  January  25,  1810.    Lev.  9.    Headache. 
Took  no  breakfast,  but  paid  for  one.      Message  from 

Elsinger  that   Madame   Van   claimed   me  as 

relation,  she  being  the  granddaughter  of  Daniel  Burr 
of  Harwich.  Called  on  Elsinger  to  apologize  for  not 
seeing  ma  chere  cousine*  till  my  return.  Home.  Invi- 
tation from  Bethmann  to  dine,  which  could  not. 
Embarras9  of  packing  up.  A  bill  of  47  florins  and 
17  kreu.10  to  my  valet  de  place!  At  12  took  diligence; 
being  the  last,  went  outside  and  was  nearly  frozen. 
At  the  y2  way  house  a  civil  young  man  gave  me  his 
place  inside.  A  soldier's  widow  who  had  served 
fifteen  campaigns  and  still  handsome.  Went  over  the 

1  For   T  sa  fille    divorcee;     belle,-     embonpoint;   yeux  noirs.     Her  divorced  daughter ;  6ne 
looking,  plump,  black  eyes. 

2  At  the  house  of  his  kinswoman,  Madame . 

J     An  assemblage  (aisemblie)  of  6fty. 

4  An  interesting  family  from  Vienna. 

5  For  trait  demoiselles  et  un  fils.     fainie  (the    eldest  daughter)  speaking,  etc. 

6  For  au  bal  masque.     To  the  masquerade. 

7  Among  the  works  of  Hans  Holbein  the  Younger  is  a  series  of  designs,  fifty-three  in  num- 
ber, for   wood  engraving,  representing  the  Dance  of  Death  (la  danse  des  marts) — an  allegorical 
representation  of  the  power  of  death  over  all  classes  and  conditions  of  men. 

8  For  ma  chere  cousine.     My  dear  feminine  cousin. 

9  The  trouble. 

10     For  Kreuzer.     One  hundredth  of  a  florin  ;  in  Germany  one  thirtieth  of  a  mark. 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

Rhine  on  traineau1  drawn  by  two  men  with  m.2  Took 
qu'rs  at  the  3  Couronnes*.  Card  to  General  Meynier 
and  to  le  Prefet4  le  Baron  Jean  Bon  St.  Andre.  To 
Kayser,  to  whom  had  a  letter  from  my  very  kind 
friend  Sarasin.  Mr.  Kayser  called  immediately  and 
invited  me  to  go  to  the  theater  with  him  ;  agreed. 
He  called  at  6  with  his  carriage  ;  met  there  his  wife, 
a  very  beautiful  woman  who  is  a  grandmother;  her 
daughter ;  a  French  gentleman  and  wife.  The  com- 
edy "Les  Deux  lonnees"  or  " Les  Journees"*,  and  the 

afterpiece, ;  both  in   French,  amused  me  very 

much;  laughed  a  great  deal.  Home  at  10.  A 
rendz.  with  ma  com.  de  Vay^  but  failed. 

26.  At  10  went  by  appointment  to  see  General 
Mayence,  un  brave  franc  soldat1;  unfortunately  just 
now  gouteux*.  Thence  to  the  Prefet  le  celebre  Jean 
Bon  St.  Andre9,  now  Baron,  &c.  His  appearance 
justifies  the  character  we  had  had  of  him.  Met  acci- 
dentally a  young  man  of  very  intelligent  countenance; 
exchanged  looks  and  made  acquaintance,  but  not  a 
word  said.  The  Prefet  cannot  give  me  a  passport  for 
Paris  ;  must  write  and  get  one  from  the  Minister  of 
Police  at  Paris.  About  an  hour  afterwards  received  a 


I      For  traineau.     Sledge. 

i     It  is  not  plain  what  the  letter  m  stands  for. 

3  Took  quarters  at  the  Three  Crowns  (aux  Truis  Couronnes). 

4  The  Prefect. 

5  This  reference  is  obscure.     Does  Burr  mean  '•'•Les  Deux   Tonnies^  "  The  Two  Women  of 
Yonne  "  (a  department  of  France)  .'     Possibly  it  should  be  '•^  Les  Deux  Dionees."      In  this  case 
it  might  mean    Venus   the  goddess  of  pleasure  and    Diana  the   chaste,   for  the   name    Dionee  is 
applied  to  both  of  these  divinities.     Hence  the  title  might  refer  to   two  women  possessing  these 
opposite  characters.      The  title  '•'•Les  Journees'"  means  "The   Days." 

6  Probably  for  a  rendex-vous  with   ma    Comtesse  de  Vay .      A    rendezvous   with    my 

Countess  de  Vay . 

7  Burr  may  mean  here  either  a  brave,  sincere  soldier,  or  a  brave  French  soldier.     In  the 
latter  case  franc  would  stand  forfran^ais  and  should  follow  the  noun. 

8  For  goutteux.     Gouty. 

9  For  le  celebre  Jean  Bon  Saint  Andre.     The  celebrated,  etc. 

39° 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

note  from  the  young  man  requesting  permission  to 
call  and  introduce  himself.  It  seems  that  in  order  to 
discover  my  lodgings  he  had  gone  to  the  guard  who 
watch  the  gate  and  enquired  of  the  officer.  He 
dined  with  me  at  the  hotel  lest  I  might  want  inter- 
preter or  countenance.  Presently  my  indefatigable 
friend  brought  a  girl ;  one  made  for  the  purpose, 
speaking  French  and  German ;  a  fine  animated,  intel- 
ligent countenance ;  pretty  and  well  made.  All  was 
instantly  arranged. — Never  take  the  advice  of  one 
who  is  agitated  or  alarmed. — To  the  Prefers  for  my 
passport ;  bureau1  shut.  To  the  Secretary ;  he  had 
not  the  passport.  I  might  call  at  the  bureau  in  the 
morning,  but  told  me  that  I  should  not  have  to  come 
to  Mayence  unless  I  meant  to  stay  there  till  the  answer 
should  be  received  from  Paris  and  that  I  must  remain 
in  Mayence  under  surveillance  de  la  police1.  -  Now,  this 
will  not  be  very  convenient  for  I  am  engaged  to-mor- 
row evening  at  Goutard's  (not  Sunday  as  supposed), 
and  to  dine  on  Sunday  at  Mons.  de  B's.  To  a  coffee- 
house; took  coffee  and  played  chess,  while  the  young 
man  was  preparing  for  me.  Evening  at  d'P.'s.  T: 
Two  ladies  and  three  gents.  Chess.  Was  beaten  by 
the  lady.  Herr  Von  Borg,  de  Soede*.  But  had 
scarcely  left  the  door  of  my  friend  when  I  was  stopped 
by  two  soldiers.  After  some  parley,  understood  from 
them  that  it  was  not  permitted  to  walk  the  streets  at 
that  hour  without  a  lamp  and  that  I  must  go  with 

i     Office. 

a    Supervision  of  the  police. 

3     Mr.  Von  Borg,  of  Sweden  (la  Suede). 

391 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

them  to  the  guard-house.  There  are  various  ways  of 
getting  along  in  this  world.  After  some  explanations, 
they  agreed  to  eschort1  me  to  my  lodgings.  Home  at 
y2  p.  1 1  and  am  now  going  to  coucbe.  That  matter 
of  the  passport  sticks  in  my  throat.  There  is  no 
possibility  of  going  one  mile  without  a  passport. 

27.  Rose  8.  Waited  till  10  very  impatiently 
for  P.,  who  had  promised  to  call  on  me  very  early. 
Then  sent  to  him  to  know  whether  he  would  be  at 
home  if  I  should  call.  Yes.  Called  and  passed  ^ 
hour.  Thence  to  Prefers.  Received  in  the  most 
polite  and  amiable  manner ;  compliments  passed  and 
returned.  I  might  stay  at  Mayence  or  go  to  Frank- 
fort, or  wherever  I  pleased,  save  the  interior  of 
France.  Returned  my  passport.  Handed  him  the 
other  which  I  had  addressed  to  him,  requesting  that 
he  would  apply  for  me  to  the  Minister  of  Police  at 
Paris.  All  right.  Thence  to  Mr.  Kayser's ;  saw 
him  and  his  bel.  fern.2"  To  a  libraire1,  where  bought 
Gray's  poems  for  la  jol.  Viennienne*  (whose  name  I  will 
try  to  get  for  you).  To  P.'s. ;  fern.,  deux  char,  garcs.* 
Auberge6;  paid  bill,  7  fl.  16  gro.  and  6  liv.7  to  mon 
valet  de  place.  The  moment  you  arrive  at  any  town 
if  to  stay  six  hours  you  are  saddled  with  a  valet  de 
place,  whose  pay  per  day  is  from  3  liv.  to  a  dollar. 
Wrote  note  of  conge  to  P.  Crossed  the  Rhine  en  pet. 


I  So  in  the  MS. 

Z  For  belle  femme. 

}  Bookseller. 

4  FoTlajoliefitnnienne.     The  pretty  lady  from  Vienna. 

5  Wife  and  two  charming  boys.     (Charmanti  gardens.) 

6  Inn. 

7  For  livres.     The  livre  was  ao  sous  or  a  franc. 


392 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

traineau1  and  got  to  the  diligence  office  just  at  12,  the 
hour  of  setting  off.  Got  No.  9,  being  the  last  place 
and  again  outside.  Met  again  la  guerre'1'.  Exceed- 
ingly cold  and  suffered  much.  Arrived  at  Frankfort 
at  5.  Went  first  to  Sarasin's  to  hear  the  news  and 
inquire  for  private  lodgings,  as  I  must  necessarily  be 
here  at  least  a  week.  As  I  got  to  the  Rom.  kayser* 
eight  or  ten  carriages  drew  up.  It  was  the  c.  d.*1  King 
of  Sweden,  Gustavus  IV.,  with  his  family  and  attend- 
ants. My  room  on  first  floor  was  taken,  of  which  I 
was  very  glad,  for  I  got  one  as  good  on  second  floor 
for  YZ  the  price.  Dressed  and  at  ^  p.  7  to  A.  Gou- 
tard's.  It  was  a  mistake  ;  that  little  huzzy  the  Veri V 
led  me  to  the  error.  The  ball  to-night  is  at  another 
Goutard's  with  whom  have  no  acquaintance.  Very 
glad  of  it,  for  I  was  but  half  thawed  and  had  much  to 
do,  *.  <?.,  to  think  what  and  how  and  where  in  case  I 
am  excluded  from  France,  of  which  there  seems  little 
room  to  doubt.  This  is  probably  the  work  of  the 
United  States  minister,  for  certainly  I  have  claims  to 
protection  if  not  to  hospitality  from  France,  and  then 
I  had  hoped  to  do  the  Emperor  and  myself  so  much 
good. 

28.  Couche  i.  Rose  8.  At  10  to  Sarasin; 
went  with  his  young  man  to  look  at  rooms,  but  could 
not  be  suited.  Determined,  however,  to  take  the 


1  For  en  fetit  traincau.     On  [a]  small  sledge. 

2  La  guerre  means  war.     Possibly   Burr  refers  to  the  hard  time  he  had  outside  in  the  cold, 
somewhat  as  we  say,  "  I  had  a  regular  siege  of  it."     Or  he   may  mean  that  be  again  met  the 
soldier's  widow,  mentioned  on  page  589. 

3  For  Gasthaus  x,um  Ramischen  Kaiser.     The  Roman  Emperor  Hotel. 

4  For  ci-devant.     Heretofore,  former. 

5  For  la  Viennienne,     The  lady  of  Vienna. 

393 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

worst  of  them  rather  than  endure  longer  to  the 
expense  of  this  hotel  and  my  v.  de  pi.1  At  i  to 
Casino  ;  saw  no  acquaintance  who  chose  to  recognize 
me.  Read  the  papers  and  off.  Pa.  din1.  Called  this 
morning  on  le  Comte  de  R.,  who  received  me  very 
kindly  and  said  many  things  for  which  I  am  greatly 
obliged  to  him.  Sat  over  com.  of  wa.  and  m  *  *.3 
till  7  P.  M.  Dressed  and  went  to  Goutard's.  An 
immense  party  of  all  that  is  titled  and  much  untitled 
good  matter  ;  perhaps  sixty  dames.  The  young  ones 
are  in  a  room  by  themselves  ;  a  very  bad  arrangement. 
Perceived  a  wonderful  coldness  and  after  making  half 
a  dozen  bows  came  off.  My  host,  however,  was  most 
polite  and  attentive.  To  Casino,  where  read  news- 
papers an  hour.  Home  yz  p.  9.  Tea  a  la  Gamp4. 
Ruminating  on  the  statu  quo''  till  i,  and  now  bon  soir. 
29.  Rose  y2  p.  8.  At  10  to  Sarasin's  to  see 
about  lodgings  ;  looked  at  several,  but  a  new  difficulty 
occurs  ;  no  burger6  can  receive  a  stranger  in  his  house 
without  the  license  of  the  police.  S.  recommends  that 
I  call  on  Comte  de  Beuste  for  this  purpose,  which  I 
shall  do  to-morrow.  At  1 1  Comte  de  Beuste  gave 
me  some  clue  to  the  coldness.  "  I  thank  you  very 
much."  Resolved  to  wait  here  the  result  of  my  appli- 
cation for  passport.  To  Casino  at  i.  Walked  a  mile 
out  of  town.  Still  very  cold.  Rene,  on  ret.;  i  fl.; 


1  For  valet  de  place. 

2  For  Pas  de  diner,  or  Je  n'ai  fas  dine.     No  dinner. 

3  Probably  for  Sat  over  a  composition  (or  compound)  of  water  and     *     *     *     *.     The  unde- 
cipherable word  may  be  mel  for    miW,  honey;  or  milk. 

4  After  Gamp's  fashion. 

5  For  status  quo  or  status  in  quo,     Latin.     The  state  in  which  anything  is  already. 

6  For  Burger.     Citizen,  burgher. 

394 


Private     J  ourn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

pa.  bo.1  Home  at  3.  Ruminate  till  8,  then  to  the 
Casino  ball,  my  good  friend  S.  having  furnished  me 
with  a  ticket.  T  about  thirty  ladies,  noble,  not  one 
bourgeoise*.  The  three  Swedish  officers  who  attend 
Gustavus  IV.  all  claimed  my  acquaintance  and  was 
amused  to  talk  over  Sweden.  A  few  other  acquaint- 
ances. (Mr.  Bethmann  sent  his  dom.  this  evening  to 
offer  me  ticket  for  the  bal.1  but  I  was  provided.) 
Home  at  1 1.  Same  symptoms  this  evening  as  before. 
Ruminating  till  i. 

30.  Couche  i.  Rose  8.  I  sleep  always  but  a 
single  nap  and  without  dreaming ;  have  not  had  a 
dream  in  six  months.  Walked  round  with  my  valet 
de  place  to  look  at  rooms.  Think  I  shall  fix  on  the 
bookbinder's.  To  Comte  de  Beuste.  He  had  gone 
to  Mayence  for  a  week.  To  Sarasin  to  know  what  was 
to  be  done.  He  advised  me  that  as  soon  as  I  had 
fixed  on  my  lodgings,  for  they  must  be  designated,  he 
would  apply  to  the  police  for  me.  Received  letter 
from  my  cousin  John  Carnad  de  Ron  giving  a  history 
of  his  branch  of  the  family  of  Burr  and  inviting 
invitation  on  the  part  of  his  sister,  Madame  Van 

,   to   call    and   take   chocolate  with   her  some 

morning.  Response  and  proposed  to  call  on  Madame 
to-morrow  at  n.  Called  on  C.  de  R.,  who  is  to  leave 
town  to-morrow.  Gave  me  friendly  invitation  to 
come  and  pass  a  day  with  him.  Mr.  Bethmann's 
dom.  to  invite  me  to  sup  to-night  after  the  play  is 


1  For  Rencontre  on  returning  ;  I  florin  ;  fas  ion  (or  tonne).     A  rencounter,  etc.     Not  good. 

2  Woman  of  the  middle  or  shop-keeping  class. 
}     For  ial  masque.     Masquerade. 

395 


Private     y  o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr. 

over.  Ruminated  till  8,  then  to  the  Casino.  At  9 
(play  over)  to  Bethmann's.  T:  The  three  Swedish 

officers;  Madame  Euler;  Madame ,  her  daugher 

and  son-in-law ;  no  others.  Very  good  supper  and 
wine.  Home  at  1 1. 

31.  Hail  me  in  my  new  lodgings  in  a  little  back- 
yard !  The  access  is  a  perfect  labyrinth.  Two  neat 
small  rooms  and  a  lumber  room,  pretty  furnished  for 
3  florins  per  week,  about  i^  dollars.  Did  you  ever 
hear  anything  so  bon  marche1?  Rose  9,  heavy,  heavy, 
headache !  No  breakfast.  At  1 1  to  ma  cousine* 

Madame   Von   .     T:   Madame   de    Ron    and 

M'lle  Wickelhausen,  daughter  of  a  niece  of  Madame 
V.;  both  pretty  and  speaking  fluently  French.  Swal- 
lowed a  dish  of  chocolate.  Might  as  well  have 
swallowed  arsenic.  At  i  to  Sarasin.  Had  fixed  on  the 
bookbinder's;  the  mistress,  the  maid,  and  the  boy  being 
all  cheerful,  good-natured  faces.  He,  S.,  sent  to  the 
police  and  the  license  was  granted  without  hesitation. 
Paid  my  bill  at  Rom.  Kays\  16  florins  20  gro.;  i  due.4 
to  madg.  and  garc.f  10  florins  to  my  v.  d.  p.6  and  at  5 
was  installed  in  my  new  quarters.  I  am  really  more 
than  content.  Madame  and  all  the  household  have 
that  promptness  to  oblige  that  forestalls  one's  wishes. 
The  mistress  and  servants  speak  French  enough  for  my 
purposes.  Madame  says  she  has  a  charming  friend  who 
speaks  English  perfectly  whom  she  will  bring  to  see  me. 


I  For  a  ion  marche.     Cheap, 

z  My  feminine  cousin. 

3  For  Gaithaus  xum  Romischen   Kaiser. 

4  For  ducat.     A  ducat  was  worth  nearly  ^  dollars  in  Germany. 

5  For  Mddchen  and  gar^on.     Servant  girl  and  waiter. 

6  For  valet  de  flacc. 


396 


Private     J ourn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

My  new  style  will  put  me  out  of  society,  but  in  the  first 
place,  Madame,  that  I  am  already,  and  in  the  second 
my  ducats  will  be  of  more  use  to  me  than  their  din- 
ners. S.  and  C.  D.  R.  approve  the  arrangement.  I 
have  had  my  tea  in  my  own  fashion  and  have  not  felt 
so  much  at  home  in  many  months,  except  at  Liining's. 
The  juice  of  four  lemons  carried  off  my  headache,  the 
infernal  chocolate  notwithstanding ;  for  this  remedy, 
thank  you. 

Frankfort,  February  i,  1810.  Mr.  Bansa's  clerk 
came  in  before  I  was  out  of  bed  this  morning  with  a 
letter  from  M.  de  Streiber,  enclosing  one  of  introduc- 
tion for  Bethmann.  Sent  it  with  a  note,  and  also  E. 
B.'s  letter  for  perusal.  At  1 1  to  Mr.  de  Rode.  Sat 
half  an  hour ;  he  was  packing  up  to  return  to  his 
chateau,  about  five  leagues  from  town ;  a  magnificent 
establishment,  as  is  said.  Home.  Mr.  Sarasin  came 
in,  and  after,  young  Bansa.  To  Casino  at  i,  where 
an  hour  reading  newspapers.  Home  at  2.  Bro.  cas.1 
for  din.  The  French  louis  which  I  bought  at  Ham- 
burg are  all  right.  A  loss  of  3  florins  on  each.  For- 
tunately have  but  three  left.  At  3  to  Sarasin's.  Much 
confab  ;  naught  new.  This  P.  M.,  my  hostess,  who 
is  always  thinking  of  something  to  oblige  me,  brought 
in  Madame ,  a  sweatz,  sprightly,  comely  Eng- 
lish woman,  who  staid  and  took  tea  with  me.  Projects 
for  the  amusement  of  Kam.3  and  Gamp  advance. 


1  Probably  for  Brat  und  Kdsc.     Bread  and  cheese. 

2  So  in  the  MS. 

3  This  word  is  somewhat  illegible  in  the  MS.     The  reference   is  obscure.     Kam.  might  be 
an  abbreviation  of  the  German  Kamtrad.     Comrade. 


397 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

Ruminating  all  the  evening.  A  new  essay  to  change 
the  state  of  affairs  will  be  made  to-morrow.  Invita- 
tion from  Bethmann  for  Tuesday  evening,  February 

6,  to  sup,  &c.      Birthday  of . 

2.  My  rooms  are  so  small  and  the  ceilings  so 
low,  that  when  the  stove  is  heated  I  am  suffocated,  the 
hot  air  being  above  ;  while  my  head  is  in  an  oven,  my 
feet  are  in  an  ice-house.  Got  up  this  morning  later 
than  usual,  stupid,  and  choaked1  with  a  cold.  At  12 
to  le  ministre'1  Hedouville.  He  was  engaged,  but 
appointed  i  o'clock.  To  Casino  to  pass  the  interval 
reading  newspapers.  Cut  all  my  friends  to  be  before- 
hand. At  i  to  the  Ministre,  an  amiable,  intelligent, 
well-bred  man.  Received  my  communication  with 
courtesy  and  engaged  to  transmit  it  forthwith  to  Paris. 
A  reply  cannot  be  expected  within  twelve  days.  Have 
a  great  mind  to  go  to  Weimar.  Pa.  din.1  At  3  to 
Elsinger,  le  libraire.  He  has  caught  the  infection. 
Passed  an  hour  looking  over  books,  but  bought 
nothing.  I  wish  to  send  you  so  many  that  it  will  end 
in  sending  none.  Yes,  a  good  French  dictionary,  if 
one  there  be,  I  will  send.  Tea  at  6,  and  at  7  came  in 
Sarasin  to  take  me  to  the  museum.  The  music  very 
fine.  Two  airs  by  the  enchanting  voice  of  Schonberg. 
A  handsome  young  man  introduced  himself  to  me  as 
from  Hanover,  and  bearing  a  civil  message  to  me  from 
the  beautiful  M'lle  Karsaboom  ;  not  quite  so  spelled, 
however.  This  is  ladies'  night  at  Casino,  but  did  not 


I  So  in  the  MS. 
1  The  Minister. 
J  For  Pas  de  dine 


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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

go.  Home  */2  p.  8.  Ma  hotesse1  invited  me  to  par- 
take of  her  supper  ;  agreed.  The  party  was  Madame, 
her  seamstress,  another  woman,  and  one  of  the  jour- 
neymen. Invitation  to-day  from  Bethmann  to  dine 
on  Sunday.  Doubting  whether  I  will  not  go  to  de 
Rode's  on  Sunday. 

3.  Rose  very  late.  The  maid  makes  my  fire, 
that  is,  heats  my  room  at  7,  but  I  get  stupified  by  the 
heat ;  for  this  I  see  no  remedy,  unless  I  could  muster 
force  enough  to  get  up  before  any  heat  was  introduced. 
But  there  is  no  exigence  requiring  this  effort.  After 
the  answer  from  Paris,  which  may  be  expected  on 
Tuesday,  the  case  will  be  altered,  whatever  may  be  the 
tenor  of  that  answer.  At  12  to  Casino.  Met  at  the 
door  Mons.  de  Wickelhausen,  who,  having  married 
the  niece  of  Madame  Vandervelten,  has  thus  become 
my  cousin.  He  talked  to  me  ^  hour  about  family 
matters,  &c.  Read  newspapers  an  hour.  Home  an 
hour ;  then  to  the  Musee,  this  being  the  day  of  exhi- 
bition. T :  Sarasin  and  family  ;  mon  aimable  cousin, 
mais  pa  beaucoup  de  mondei.  Was  amused  with  the 
pictures  and  the  visitors.  Among  the  paintings  was  a 
Cleopatra  ;  as  usual,  blonde  et  grande,  though  in  fact, 
she  was  petite  et  brune1.  Mon  cousin  proposed  to  me 
twenty  different  parties  and  promenades,  all  of  which 
I  declined.  At  length  one  to  which  I  acceded.  It 
was  very  kind  and  very  hospitable,  but  failed  in  the 
result,  the  parties  not  found.  Home  at  5.  Dressed 


1  For  ma  Mtesse.     My  hostess. 

2  My  amiable  [male]  cousin,  but  not  (fas)  many  people. 

3  Blonde  and  tall,  though,  in  fact,  she  was  short  and  dark. 


399 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

and  waited  for  Sarasin,  who  came  at  7.  To  his 
brother's,  Mons.  Lars,  a  name  of  adoption  (these 
adoptions  are  always  attended  with  fortune),  he  being 
born  Sarasin.  There  was  a  very  handsome  and  gay 
party.  Mons.  and  Madame  Schonberg  ;  she  sang  for 
us;  lafam.  Venetienne1;  M.  Chaumont  et  souer  fern. 

de ;    Madame   ,  belle  et  superbe  femme, 

soeur  de  ces  deux  de  Mayence*,  whom  I  met  at  Sarasin's; 
la  jolie  pit.  Cloison3,  or  something  thereabouts,  who 
pleased  me  so  much  at  the  Casino  ball  on  Monday  of 
last  week.  La  blue.  Not  princesse  ni  noble  mais  merite 
d'etre ;  est  par  nature*.  Une  fern,  interressante  de 

Konigsberg5,  now  Madame .     Les  dem.  Sarasin, 

bel.   bru.b     We   had  a  great  deal  of  charming   music. 

o  o 

La  Prussienne  sings  delightfully  ;  so  Cloison  mere  so 
pet.  guitarre1 .  A  suite  of  four  rooms  well  lighted. 
The  supper  elegant  and  the  guests  extremely  gay. 
Somehow  thought  more  of  Mary  Ann*  than  of  all  the 
present.  Home  at  i.  My  stove  cold  as  ice.  Took 
one  hour  to  make  fire,  get  warmed,  and  smoke  my 
pipe.  Now  at  ^  p.  2  Sunday  morning  and  I  shall 
smoke  another  pipe  before  couche. 

Frankfort,  S.  M.,  February  4,  1810.      I  have  not 

1  This  is  probably  a  slip  of  Burr's  pen.     He  undoubtedly  means  la  fameuse  Vicnnienne,  the 
celebrated  lady  from  Vienna,  instead  of  Vinitiennc,  the  lady  from    Venice,  as   the    reader  will 
soon  see. 

2  For  et  seeur,femme  de,  etc.     And   sister,  wife   of  .     Madame ,  a  handsome, 

superb  woman,  sister  of  those  two  of  Mayence. 

J     For  la  jolie  petite  Cloison.     The  pretty  little  Cloison. 

^4  For  la  file  mise  en  blue.  (Bleu.)  Not  frincesse  ni  noble  mais  merite  de  V'etre  ;  till 
1'est  far  nature.  The  girl  in  blue  ;  neither  a  princess  nor  a  noble,  but  she  deserves  to  be;  is  so 
by  nature. 

5  For  une  femme  interessante  de  Konigsberg.     An  interesting  woman  of  Konigsberg. 

6  For  Its  demoiselles  Sarasin,  belles,  brunettes.     The  Sarasin  girls,  fine-looking  brunettes. 

7  The    Prussian    lady    sings   delightfully;    so    the    mother    (mere)    Cloison;    so    la   fetitt 
file  touche  tris  bien  la  guitare.     So  the  little  maid  plays  the  guitar  delightfully. 

8  Mary  Ann    must  be  a  pet  name  given  by  Burr   to   his  daughter.     Under  date  of  July  74, 
1809,  he  writes  :  "  Ma  belle  Mary  Ann  (only  think,  your  favorite   name  "). 

400 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

before  put  S.  M.  which  means  sur  Mein1,  to  distin- 
guish it  from  Frankfort,  S.  O.,  (sur  Oder).  Rose  late. 
Did  nothing  till  i  ;  then  to  dine  with  Bethmann.  T: 
La  mere  et  deux  filles,  Brevilliere  ;  la  fam.  Fiennienne*, 
of  which  I  have  so  often  spoken  ;  M'lle  D.  M.  is  one 
of  the  finest  women  I  meet ;  Mons.  de  Brevilliere, 
brother  of  the  deceased  father  ;  la  mere  was  Goutard. 
Euler  mere  et  fils}  In  all  we  were  twenty-one  at  table. 
The  dinner  handsome,  but  the  rapidity  with  which 
things  were  done  is  inconvenient  and  unsocial ;  you 
would  think  we  were  eating  for  wagers,  such  is  the 
velocity  with  which  the  courses  are  served.  The 
moment  the  last  course  has  gone  round  (everything  is 
handed  round  by  the  servant),  all  rise  and  go  off  to 
the  drawing-room,  where  coffee  is  served.  A  sprightly 
young  Genevoise4  merchant  pursued  me  a  great  deal, 
and  was  very  civil.  Had  also,  to-day,  an  invitation  to 

dine  chez  Madame souer  de  Sarasin  ;  but  Beth- 

mann's  was  first.     Off  at  5,  and  to   Madame , 

who  lives  under  the  same  roof  with  her  brother,  where 
passed  an  hour  very  pleasantly.  Home  at  7.  Ma 
hostesse  invited  me  to  her  party,  /'.  e.,  the  English 
woman  ;  another  English  woman,  native  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, where  played  lottery  till  9.  Had  my  tea. 
Wrote  a  long  letter  about  Charles  Loss5  and  family, 
to  be  transmitted  to  the  parents  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Loss,  who  live  seventy  or  eighty  miles  hence.  Wrote 


1  On  the  Main,  the  river  on  which  Frankfort  is  situated. 

2  For  la  fameuse  Vienniennt.     The  celebrated  Vienna  lady. 

3  Mrs.  Euler  and  son. 

4  For  Genevois.     Genevese. 

5  Under  date  of  December  31,  1809,  Burr  spoke  of  Saxony  as  being  Chas.  Loss's  kingdom. 


4OI 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

also  to  General  Meynier,  and  to  Dr.  Perkins  at  May- 
ence,  requesting  each  of  them  to  inform  me  if  there 
was  any  news  about  my  passports. 

5.  Couche  3.  Rose  8.  At  9  to  Sarasin's  with 
my  letters.  Home  to  breakfast ;  then  to  work  to 
assort  papers,  &c.,  and  prepare  for  locomotion,  which 
I  feel  will  soon  become  necessary.  But  whether  to 
Paris,  or  to  prison,  or  to  Russia,  or  to  the  United 
States,  is  known  yonder  above,  but  they  won't  tell 
Gamp.  Wickelhausen  promised  to  call  between  4  and 
5  to  go  al  cbas.1  but  did  not.  At  5  sor.  (Pa.  di.*}. 
Rene.  Dougan.  Jo.jeu.  amin.  T're.  cont.;  4  fl.3  Home 
at  6.  Wickelhausen  had  called  during  my  absence. 
Tea.  Laid  on  the  canop.4  to  smoke  my  pipe  and 
slept  an  hour.  At  9  to  the  Casino  ball  au  Maison 
Rouge*,  Sarasin  having  sent  me  a  ticket.  T :  The 
Endes  :  M'lle  Brevilliere,  who  introduced  to  me  her 
cousin,  Dr.  Schlosser,  LL.D.  I  was  just  wishing  to 
know  some  lawyer.  Ma.  pet?  Ende  looked  very  well; 
Cloison  not  there.  The  assemble  was  very  full  and 
very  brilliant.  There  seems  to  be  a  sort  of  tacit  accord 
among  the  bourgeoises  to  go  only  every  other  week. 
Le  Baron  d'Ende,  Mr.  de  B.,  and  the  Sarasin  family 
were  my  principal  associates.  Off  at  ^  p.  n.  Yes, 
there  was  also  that  fine,  imposing  form  and  counte- 
nance, M'lle  de  ,  who  resembles  Emilie  de 


I     Probably  for  a  la  chaise.     To  go  hunting. 
2.      For  Pas  de  diner. 

3  For  Rencontre.     Dougan,  jolie,  jeune,  amincie.    Tres   content;    4    florins.      A  rencounter; 
[byname]   Dougan;  pretty,  young,  thin.     Very  well   satisfied,   etc.     {Amin.  may  stand  for  the 
noun  amincissemcnt, thinness,  just  as  Burr  uses  the  noun  embonfoint,  plumpness.) 

4  For  canape.     Couch. 

;     For  a  la  Maison  Rouge.     At  the  Red  Mansion. 
6     For  ma  f  elite.     My  little. 

402 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Visme.     "  Suspense,"  says    Swift,    "  is   the    life    of  a 
spider." 

6.  Jour  memr  pour  nous  aut.\  because  two  and 
two  make  four ;  so  that,  according  to  some  logicians, 
twice  27  make  54,  and  so  on  ad  inf.1  Sat  up  till  3, 
smoking  and  assorting  scraps.  Rose  about  10.  To 
Casino  at  i.  T:  Bethmann,  and  the  m.g.fr.*,  resem- 
bling Gallatin,  but  not  the  front  nor  the  stable  nose. 
An  amiable  phiz.  G.  always  meet  monde*  there ;  but 
go  off  about  i,  that  being  the  unusual  hour  of  dining. 
Gamp  is  more  sought  and  spoke  to  these  some  days 
past ;  pas  tout  a  fait  le  monr  ter?  Bethmann,  who 
wrote  to  Paris  about  ten  days  ago,  has,  as  he  says,  no 
answer.  Perhaps  they  care  nothing,  think  nothing 
about  us.  The  moment  the  Rhine  is  open,  will  be 
off,  if  suffered.  Saw  from  the  Casino  windows  two 
regiments  French  cavalry,  on  march  to  France.  The 
horses  and  men  small,  but  the  men  handsome, 
sprightly  youths.  Did  not  see  a  horse  that  would 
have  sold  at  Philadelphia  for  100  dollars.  Much 
talking  among  the  men.  Swords  not  very  long ; 
nearly  straight ;  light.  Written  at  3  P.  M.  You 
will  have  a  word  more  on  my  return  from  Bethmann's 
to-night.  Got  home  from  Bethmann's  at  J^  p.  12. 
It  was  a  very  handsome  party  of  about  thirty.  The 


1  This  is  an  interesting  riddle.     The   French   abbreviations  stand  for   Jour  memorable  pour 
nous  autres.     Day  memorable  for  us  folks.     The  reader  will  note  that  the  date  in   the  Journal  is 
February  6,  1810.     Burr  was  born   February  6,  1756,  being    therefore   54  years  old.     Theodosia 
was  born  June  10,  1783,  and  was  therefore  27.     So  the  riddle  "  twice  27  make  54  "  becomes  clear. 
Of  course  tills  day  is  memorable  to  both. 

2  For  Latin  ad  infinitum.     To  infinity. 

J     Probably  for  monsieur  grand  fran^ais.     Tall  French  gentleman. 

4  People.  i 

5  For   il  n'est  fas  tout  a  fait   le  monsieur  terrible.     Literally,  he  is  not  entirely  the  terrible 
man ! 

403 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

supper  com.  il  faut\  Conversation,  cards,  billiards, 
music,  rilled  the  interval  before  supper,  which  was 
served  about  y2  p.  10.  The  same  rapidity  as  at  din- 
ner. The  company  retired  about  an  hour  after 
supper.  The  party  was  wholly  of  citizens,  except 
General  Sweyer,  two  young  French  officers,  and  a 
Russian  envoy.  Many  of  my  particular  acquaintance 
of  both  sexes  were  there.  Was  most  occupied  with 

Madame ,  who,  to  many  agreements'1^  adds  that 

of  speaking  English.  She  very  wickedly  led  me  into 
dilemma  by  exciting  remarks  on  her  brother  and  his 
ux.  It  happened  that  she  was  a  beautiful  woman,  and 
that  I  pronounced  very  favorable  on  both.  The 
evening  passed  off  very  well.  Mr.  Bethmann  has  no 
news  for  me,  but  expects  a  messenger  to-night. 
To-morrow,  too,  I  shall  have  answers  to  my  letters  to 
P.  and  M.  at  Mayence  to-morrow  night. 

7.  Couche  3.  Lev.  8.  At  10  to  Bethmann's  for 
news.  He  had  none.  Pour  me  distraire^^  walked  an 
hour  to  find  la  Doug.4,  but  could  not  find  the  place. 
Home  and  got  my  bill,  the  week  having  expired. 
Void  les  details^  and  then  you  will  know  how  I  live  : 

Florins.        Kreutzers. 

Rooms  and  furniture 3  oo 

Bread o  35 

I  Ib.  cheese o  28 

I  Ib.  butter o  16 

i  bottle  wine o  36 

I  Ib.  sugar 2  04 

Wood 2  oo 

8  59 


I  For  comme  il  faut.     As  it  should  be. 

1  For  agrements.     Accomplishments.     Possibly  Burr  meant  this  as  an  English  word. 

3  In  order  to  entertain  myself. 

4  For  la  Dougan.     The  girl  mentioned  on  page  402. 

5  Here  are  the  details  (details). 

404 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Eight  florins  and  59  kreutzers  is  about  4  dollars. 
Not  extravagant.     But  then  the  contingencies  : 

Florins.        Kreutzers. 

A  decanter  broken  by  the  stove  heat  I  i  2 

Washing I  2 

To  the  servants 2  30 

To  servants  when  dining  or  sup- 
ping abroad 4.  oo 

Mas.  *  6  oo 


44 
59 


22  43 

Twenty-two  florins  and  43  kreutzers  is  about  8  ^4 
dollars.  At  the  hotel  for  one  week  it  cost  me  82 
florins,  and  I  had  not  half  the  comfort.  Now  for  the 
Casino  to  read  the  news,  of  which  I  am  told  there  is 
much  by  this  mail  regarding  the  interior.  The 
moment  of  entering  the  Casino  a  gentleman  took  me 
aside  ;  told  me  he  was  secretary  of  Mr.  -  ;  that 
his  Excellency  was  ready  to  give  me  a  passport  when 
I  should  please,  and  would  be  glad  to  see  me  at  1  1 
to-morrow.  This  was  what  I  least  expected  to  meet 
at  Casino,  or  at  all  through  that  channel.  At  ^  p.  2 
to  see  our  cousins,  Madame  Vandervelten  &  Co. 
Found  there  a  pleasant  little  party.  Tfcree  pretty 
girls,  all  cousins,  sitting  round  a  large  table  drinking 
coffee.  It  is  a  very  respectable  old  lady.  Her  hus- 
band a  comte,  but  she  does  not  assume  the  title.  At 
4  to  Sarasin's  to  counsel.  Always  frank  and  kind. 
Home  at  5.  Tea  at  7.  Sarasin  came  in  and  sat  j£ 


I     For  muse.     See  Glossary. 

405 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

hour.  Agreed  to  go  to  the  bal  masque.  Said  that 
there  will  be  many  honetes  gens1. 

i  A.  M.  Wednesday  night.  Have  returned 
early  from  the  ball.  It  was  very  full,  and  much  more 
brilliant  than  the  first.  It  seems  that  the  honetes  gens 
(dames]  are  resolved  not  to  be  chassed%  from  their 
favorite  amusement  by  the  demireps1.  The  latter  were, 
however,  the  great  majority.  For  want  of  the 
language  I  was  a  mere  spectator.  I  conceive  that  it 
may  be  made  very  charming.  My  head,  however,  is 
full  of  other  things.  That  message,  and  the  channel 
through  which  it  comes  !  but  to-morrow  (to-day, 
being  near  2  in  the  morning),  will  develop.  Je 
ty  embrasse*. 

12.  Reichard5  and  maps  being  locked  up,  and 
the  conducteur  refusing  me  access  to  them  till  we  reach 
Metz,  which  will  be  to-morrow  P.  M.,  can  give  you 
no  account  of  my  route,  but  we  are  44  lieue  de  paste6 
from  Mayence,  about  no  English  miles.  But,  as  you 
have  heard  nothing  from  me  since  Wednesday  [the 
yth],  it  is  necessary  to  go  back.  On  Thursday  paid 
visit  of  conge  to  Bethmann's,  to  Baron  d'Ende,  to 
Gerning.  Saw  not  one  of  them.  Mr.  B.  was  in  his 
comtoir1  and  sent  message  by  the  servant  asking  me  to 
dine  to-morrow  (Friday),  which  declined,  having 
resolved  to  leave  town.  Sat  a  few  minutes  with 


1  For  honnetti  gem.     Virtuous,  genteel  people. 

2  Another  French  verb,  chaster,  to  expel,  anglicized  by  Burr;  hence,  driven  out. 

3  See  Glossary. 

4  I  embrace  thee. 

5  Burr  refers  to  Reichard's    guide-book    for  travelers  entitled  "  Passagier  auf  der    Reise  in 
Deutschlanrl."      "  The  Traveler  Journeying  in  Germany." 

6  For  lieues  de  foste.     Post  leagues.     A  lieue  was  about  two  and  a  half  English  miles. 

7  For  comftoir.     Counting-house. 


406 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Madame  sa  mere.  Dined  with  Sarasin  enfamille  at  */•£  p. 
i.  Thence  to  Madame  Vandervelten,  our  cousin.  Y 
y2  hour.  Yesterday  sent  for  her  inspection  the  picture, 
of  which  many  pretty  things  were  said.  Sent  also  the 
miniature  of  Caroline  as  of  a  niece.  Home  at  y2  p. 
4,  but  not  rinding  disposition  to  go  to  work,  went  out 
to  see  Doug.;  out,  but  consoled  self  with  la  maitr.  de 
mats.  Encore  not  being  satisfactory,  roved  an  hour. 
Y  ca  mou.  p.  Gamp  fully;  ij.  U.  Home  at  9  quite 
tranquil.  'Tis  the  sole  rem.  in  such  cases1.  I  forgot 
to  say  that  before  dinner  I  went  to  see  if  the  Com. 
de  R.  had  returned  to  town.  He  had  just  arrived. 
We  met  like  old  affectionate  friends.  He  was 
engaged  to  dine  with  Com.  de  Beuste,  to  cele- 
brate the  birthday  of  the  Prince  Primate,  and  so 
we  arranged  an  interview  at  10  at  his  house.  At  10 
went  jy  and  passed  nearly  two  hours.  Much  infor- 
mation and  renseignments*  about  Paris.  Talked  to 
him  of  X,  in  which  he  entered  warmly  and  predicted 
success.  Home  at  12  and  worked  like  a  beaver  till  3. 
Made  a  long  list  of  letters  to  be  written  before  leaving 
Frankfort ;  of  which  I  wrote  not  one.  Did  nothing 
but  what  had  a  direct  reference  to  my  object.  Oh,  if 
they  will  only  hear  me,  and  Hedouville  says  they  will. 
Rose  at  7  Friday  morning.  Worked  hard,  but  did 
not  get  through  the  assorting,  transcribing  addresses, 


I  Went  out  to  see  Dougan ;  out,  but  consoled  self  with  the  mistress  of  the  house  (la 
...aitresse  de  la  maison).  [It]  still  not  being  satisfactory,  roved  an  hour.  That  move  (« 
mouvtmtnt  [-la])  paid  (or  pleased)  Gamp  fully;  two  pretty  maids  (deux jolies  mademoiselles  or 
jungfrus).  Home  at  9  quite  tranquil.  'Tis  the  sole  remedy  in  such  cases.  (In  Davis's  abridged 
reprint  of  the  Journal,  see  Introduction  for  the  explanation,  all  this  is  translated  "  and  walked 


EP 
half  an  hour.") 

2     Much  information  and  intelligence  (or  inquiries). 


407 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

&c.  Had  visit  of  conge  from  Sarasin,  Fuchs,  his  son- 
in-law,  and  from  Com.  de  R.;  no  others.  Got  to  the 
stage  office  at  12,  and,  for  the  first  time,  got  inside. 
Most  alarming  account  of  the  rigid  visitation  at  Cas- 
sel1  (opposite  Mayence)  and  at  Mayence.  At  Cassel 
the  search  was  very  slight ;  and  at  Mayence,  where  I 
supposed  my  pockets  would  befouilled*,  met  a  good- 
natured  looking  fellow,  who  asked  me  where  I  would 
lodge.  "  Au  trois  Couronnes"1.  "  A llez  y  et  votre 
baggage  vous  suivra  en  cinque  minutes"''.  In  effect,  in 
five  minutes  my  baggage  came,  not  having  been 
opened  and  no  douceur1'  paid.  Went  direct  to  the 
Prefers  to  get  my  passport  vised6.  He  was  out,  and 
would  not  be  home  till  10.  Gave  a  livre  to  the  ser- 
vant to  deliver  him  a  message,  requesting  that  he 
would  vise  my  passport  to-night.  Called  and  left  card 
at  Kayser's.  Then  home.  The  diligence  was  to  go 
at  6  next  morning.  Little  chance  of  seeing  the  Pre- 
fet  to-night,  and  so  went  off  to  hunt  his  secretary. 
He  received  me  civilly,  and  agreed  to  do  the  business, 
which  he  was  half  an  hour  doing,  while  I  played  with 
his  two  beautiful  children.  At  10  came  in  D.  and  sat 
an  hour.  Gave  me  memorandum  of  a  lady  who  might 
be  an  agreeable  acquaintance.  Couche  2,  having  spent 
two  hours  in  assorting,  &c.,  which  got  through  to  my 
satisfaction.  Was  called  at  6.  Went  to  take  place  in 
the  diligence.  The  inside  full ;  four  dames ;  but  as 

I  Kastel,  a  town  of  a  few  thousand,  is  meant. 

^  Another  French  verb,/o««//«r,  to  rummage,  anglicized  by  Burr.     Searched. 

3  For  aux  Trois  Couronncs.     At  the  Three  Crowns. 

4  Go  thither  (Allcx.-})  and  your  baggage  (bagagc)  will  follow  you  in  five  (cinq)  minutes. 

5  Tip. 

6  A  French-English  verb    now   used  in    English,  from    French    viser,  to  inspect.     To  vise  a. 
passport  is  to  inspect  it  and  endorse  it  officially. 

408 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

two  were  to  be  received  eight  leagues  on  our  way,  got 
the  privilege  of  riding  inside  so  far.  The  two  dames 
were  an  officer's  wife,  very  pretty,  and  a  soldier's  wife. 
The  two  we  took  in  were  a  lady  and  a  pretty  daughter. 
Took  my  station  outside,  with  a  young  man  of  very 
decent  appearance,  who  was  going  as  conscript  to  join 
the  army.  He  says  that  a  substitute  costs  100  louis1, 
and  if  he  deserts  the  principal  must  replace  him.  Got 
to  our  quarters  at  10,  and  to  bed  at  12.  Called  up  at 
4  this  morning,  and  arrived  here  at  6.  Ordered  a 
room  and  fire,  with  which  all  this  is  written  at  12 
o'clock.  Seven  leagues  back  is  the  beautiful  little 

town  of on  the  Saar,  formerly  the  residence  of 

the  Prince  of  Nassau.  His  elegant  palace  being  man- 
festly  an  aristocratical  structure,  was  burned  by  the 
democrats1  when  they  carried  war  here  early  in  the 
Revolution.  The  palace  was  then  a  hospital,  and 
there  being  no  time  to  remove  the  patients,  they  were 
also  burnt.  The  church  (one  of  them)  is  a  very 
elegant  little  thing.  Just  t'other  side  of  this  town  saw 
along  the  banks  of  the  Saar  broad  fields  of  the  stubble 

o 

or  stalks  of  Indian  corn,  the  first  I  have  seen  since 
leaving  the  United  States,  but  have  not  yet  seen  on 
this  side  the  Rhine  a  single  vineyard.  They  say 
it  is  too  cold,  though  on  the  other  side,  even  in 
the  neighborhood  of  Fulda,  nearly  one  hundred 
miles  north  of  this,  all  the  hills  were  covered  with 
vines.  No  interest  or  amusement  of  any  sort  with  the 
dames.  Am  supposed  a  Swede.  All  the  country  I 

1  The  louis  was  a  French  gold  coin  worth  about  4  dollars. 

2  Meaning  jacobins  ! 

409 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

have  passed  through  since  crossing  the  Rhine  till 
within  a  league  of  this  place  where  I  now  write  was 
formerly  subject  to  different  German  princes,  and  has 
been  conquered  by  and  incorporated  into  France  since 
the  Revolution.  Hitherto,  of  course,  everything  has 
been  German.  Here  all  is  French  ;  the  language"  of 
the  family  ;  the  manners.  The  hostess,  a  very  hand- 
some young  woman  (minus  a  beard),  extremely  attrac- 
tive and  polite.  Our  conducteur  is  French  by  birth, 
but  not  by  manners.  He  is  in  all  respects  the  chief 
of  the  party  ;  does  the  honors  of  the  table,  &c.  At 

met  an  interesting  young  sub-officer,  speaking 

perfectly  good  English.  I  am  very  bad  company  and 
unsocial,  my  head  being  so  full  of  X  matters. 

Paris,  February  16,  1810.  Hotel  de  Lyon,  Rue 
Crenelle  No.  7,  St.  Honore.  Left  Chalons  at  5  yes- 
terday. The  day,  yesterday,  was  fine  spring  weather. 
The  atmosphere  tolerably  clear.  I  rode  outside  to 
enjoy  the  beauty  of  the  scenery.  We  breakfasted  at 
Epernay,  the  centre  of  the  fine  vin  Champaigne1  coun- 
try, and  we  drank  of  several  sorts.  Thence  along  the 

Marne  for leagues.     The  mountains  on  each 

side  are  covered  with  vines,  but  the  land  on  the  north 
side  of  the  valley  is  of  ten  times  more  value  than  on 
the  south.  An  arpen^  of  the  former  is  said  to  be 
worth  2  to  4  thousand  dollars.  Rode  all  night,  and 
arrived  here  at  12  this  day.  My  room  (the  only 
vacant  one  in  the  hotel)  is  up  two  pairs  of  stairs,  about 
fourteen  feet  square  ;  paved  with  brick,  very  coarsely 


I      For  vin  de  Chamfagne.     Champagne. 

l     An  old  French  measure  of  from  one  to  one  and  a  half  acres. 


4IO 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

furnished  ;  a  large,  very  large  ill-constructed  fire-place. 
No  quantity  of  wood  can  warm  the  room.  The  wood 
is  brought,  five  sticks  at  a  time  (such  as  Gampy  would 
take  in  one  hand),  for  30  sous.  The  sou  is  about 
equal  to  our  cent.  This  room  is  4.0  sous  per  day.  My 
comp.  de  voyage1,  Major  Thomas,  took  me  to  a  coffee- 
house to  dine.  The  expense  with  two  bottles  of  wine 
was  60  sous  each.  Thence  to  a  coffee-house  au  Palais 
Royal2.  A  dish  of  coffee,  10  sous.  Walked  an  hour 
under  the  arches,  which  is  the  evening  promenade. 
Saw  not  one  beautiful  or  very  fine  woman.  The  best, 
you  know,  is  always  good.  M'aime  3;  2  Eo.4  Home 
at  9. 

17.  My  first  business  this  morning  was  to 
address  a  note  to  the  Due  de  Cadore,  min.  des  rel'ns 
ext.s,  which  sent  by  a  messenger,  12  sous.  Thence  to 
Hauterive ;  out,  left  my  name.  To  Mr.  Schoel, 
libraire,  with  letter  from  Bertuch  ;  out,  left  the  letter, 
but  no  card.  To  Dr.  Swediaur,  with  letter  from 
Baron  Strick.  Sat  half  an  hour  with  the  Doctor.  A 
man  of  sense  and  science  ;  frank  and  cheerful.  Gave 
me  very  kind  reception.  Home  at  4.  A  bowl  of 
soup  in  my  room  for  dinner,  8  sous,  with  bread.  Tea 
in  the  evening,  30  sous.  A  note  from  the  Due  de 
Cadore,  appointing  Monday,  2  P.  M.,  for  an  audience. 
Home  and  alone  all  the  evening. 

I      For  comfagnon  de  -voyage.     Traveling  companion. 

2,  At  the  Palais  Royal.  This  was  originally,  as  its  name  denotes,  a  royal  palace  Richelieu 
built  it,  1619-1634,  and  gave  it  to  the  King.  Louis  XVI.  presented  it  to  the  Duke  of  Orleans, 
in  whose  family  it  remained  for  many  generations.  The  Duke  of  Orleans,  known  as  Philippe 
Egalite,  surrounded  it  with  houses  and  galleries  which  are  still  used  for  purposes  of  trade.  In 
one  of  its  angles  is  the  Theatre  Franijais. 

3  Burr  may  mean  this  for  man  aimce,  my  beloved,  or  for  tlle''nfaime,  she  loves  me. 

4  Another  riddle.    Perhaps  the  apparent  o  is  meant  for  u,  in  which  case  the  word  may  be  meant 
for  ecus;  hence  2  crowns. 

5  For  ministre  des  relations  exterieures.     Minister  of  Foreign    Relations,  like  our  Secretary 
of  State. 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

1 8.  Breakfast,  tea,  brought  from  the  lemonadiere  sl , 
30  sous.  The  tea  very  bad  ;  coffee  rather  worse.  At 
12  to  Comte  de  Volney's ;  out,  left  card.  Having 
heard  nothing  from  Hauterive,  wrote  him  note, 
requesting  information  about  several  of  my  acquaint- 
ances ;  out,  and  got  no  answer.  Much  trouble  about 
outfits  for  presentation  to-morrow.  Tailor,  chaponier'i1 
&c.  About  5  with  Major  Thomas  to  dine  at  any 
coffee-house  or  traiteur*.  Seeing  affiche4,  dinner  of  four 
courses  for  24  sous,  went  in  to  make  experiments. 
Had  for  24  sous  a  very  good  dinner  and  a  small 
caraffe5  of  vin  each.  Took  another  bottle  of  vin  Eourg. 
blanf  at  30  sous  in  honor  of  the  house.  The  waiter 
expects  nothing  from  you  at  these  places.  On  the 
way  went  into  a  shop,  vingt  cinque  sous  le  piece1 ',  and 
bought  each  a  couple.  A  most  curious  collection  of 
all  manner  of  things,  each  being  25  sous.  Thence  to 
a  coffee-house  and  took  coffee.  Thence  au  Coffee- 
house des  Aveugles*,  i.  e.,  a  cellar  vaulted,  eighty  or  a 
hundred  feet  square,  well  furnished.  Music,  an 
orchestra  of  blind  performers.  Entrance  gratis.  We 
were  four,  and  took  beer  and  biscuit,  3  sous  each. 
Ladies  of  all  sorts.  Will  talk  with  you,  sit,  eat,  drink; 
but  no  further  than  solicitations  unless  you  make 
overtures.  I  found  one  of  them  very  amusing. 
Thence  au  Coffee  des  Milles  Co/onnes9,  celebrated  for  the 

I  For  limonadiere.     Coffee-house  keeper. 

1  For  chafeiier.     Hatter. 

}  Eating-house  keeper. 

4  Placard. 

5  Old  spelling  of  carafe. 

6  For  vin  tlanc  de  Bourgogne.     White  Burgundy  wine. 

7  For  vingt  cinq  sous  la  fiece.     Twenty-five  sous  for  each  article. 

8  To  the  Blind  Men's  coffee-house.     Burr  probably  confuses  coffee-house  with  Cafe. 

9  For  au  Cafe,  etc.     To  the  Cafe"  of  the  Thousand  Columns. 

4I2 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

beauty  of  the  mistress.  The  rooms  are  supported  by 
colon-ties^  and  every  pier  rilled  by  mirror.  The  reflec- 
tions give  the  idea  of  boundless  space  and  numberless 
colonnes.  The  lady  at  one  side,  elevated  about  two 
feet ;  a  kind  of  throne,  from  which  gives  orders  and 
receives  money  most  graciously,  and  for  20  louis — but 
that  must  be  a  lie.  We  had  a  hot  sangaree.  Thence 
au  Coffe  des  Varieties1.  Pantomimic  and  dramatic  per- 
formances are  given.  Entrance  gratis.  It  was  so 
crowded  that  we  could  not  get  in.  Left  my  compan- 
ions and  got  home  at  */£  p.  9. 

19.  Rose  late,  which  always  stupifies  me. 
Wrote  a  note  to  Hauterive  requesting  an  answer. 
Got  an  answer,  q.  v.  !  He  knows  nothing  of  Delage 
or  Senat,  or  of  any  one  of  the  subjects  of  my  inquiry. 
Being  dressed  by  i,  and  having  an  hour  to  spare, 
went  to  Son  Alt.  Seren1.  la  H.*  Duchesse  de  Courland 
and  Semigalle4,  to  whom  had  a  letter  of  introduction 
from  Duke  Reg.3  de  Gotha ;  out.  Left  letter  and 
card.  To  le  Prince  de  Benevent6;  out,  left  card.  The 
porter  said  if  I  wished  to  see  him,  I  must  address  him 
a  line  and  get  his  hour.  Thence  to  le  Due  de  Cadore. 
Here  I  was  denied,  not  being  on  the  list  of  receiva- 
bles, and  not  having  brought  with  me  the  Duke's 
note.  Fortunately,  the  porter  of  the  day  was  a  woman, 

1      For  Cafe  des  Variitet.     To  the  Cafe  of  the  Varieties. 

I     For  Son  Altesse  Sirinissime.     Her  Most  Serene  Highness. 

J     H.  may  stand  for  the  Duchess's  name,  or  possibly  Haute,  high. 

4  Courlande  or  Kurland  is  a  government  of  Russia,  one  of  the   Baltic   provinces.     Semigalle 
or  Semigallia  was  a  Russian  dukedom  formerly  united  with  Kurland. 

5  For  Regnant.     Reigning. 

6  Charles    Maurice  de   Talleyrand-Perigord  (1754-1838),   Prince  de   Benevent,   commonly 
known    as    Talleyrand.     He  was   Napoleon's  Minister  of  Foreign   Affairs  until  1809,  when  he 
quarreled  with  him,  being  opposed  to  the  Emperor's  Russian  and  Spanish  policy. 


413 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

her  husband  being  sick.  After  much  negotiating  got 
admission  to  the  antechamber.  Sent  in  my  card  and 
was  received.  Had  an  hour's  conversation ;  all  in 
French,  and  I  was  in  bad  order.  Home  at  4.  Soup, 
au  riz  et  boeuf  au  naturel1,  &c.,  for  dinner,  14  sous, 
bread  included.  Nothing  is  furnished  at  the  hotel 
where  I  lodge  but  rooms,  wood,  candles,  and  wine. 
At  6  au  Theatre  Francois1.  It  was  full,  and  no  admis- 
sion could  be  had.  Told  my  valet  to  take  me  to  the 
nearest  theatre.  Paid  3  livres  for  a  place.  It  was  a 
rope-dancer.  The  first  performer,  a  boy  of  about  7 
years  ;  the  second,  a  girl  of  5  or  6  ;  the  third,  a  lad  of 
12  ;  the  fourth,  a  pretty  girl  of  16.  Then  successively 
three  men  who  did  wonders.  You  would  think  these 
fellows  were  made,  like  Bentham's  tongs,  of  air  and 
steel.  Made  a  very  pleasant  acquaintance,  who  was  in 
the  adjoining  box.  We  walked  */£  hour.  "Vous  par- 
roisses  plein  de  genie  ;  la  quelle  de  toutes  vos  talents  vos 
fier  vous  le  plus  ?"  "  Je  nai  cultive  que  celle  de  plaire"*. 
She  gave  me  her  address  and  invited  me  to  sup,  which 
I  declined.  How  wonderfully  discreet  !  But  then  I 
engaged  to  call  on  her  to-morrow.  How  wonderfully 
silly  !  Home  at  9. 

20.  Rose  again  very  late,  and,  of  course,  very 
stupid.  The  first  thing  I  did  was  to  call  on  my  valet, 
and  tell  him  I  would  discharge  him  if  I  was  abed  one 
minute  later  than  yz  p.  6  to-morrow.  He  swears  by 

1  For  saufe  au  rise,  et  bocuf  au  nature!.     Rice  porridge  and  beef  cooked  plain. 

2  For  Theatre  Francis.     To  the,  etc.     This  theatre  was  in  one  of  the  angles  of  the  Palais 
Royal. 

}  For"  KOWJ  faraissex.  fleine  de  genie  ;  auquel  de  tout  vos  talents  vous  fiex-vous  le  flus  .'" 
(Asked  by  Burr).  "  Je  nai  cultive  que  celui  de  flaire  "  (answered  by  the  woman).  "You 
appear  to  be  full  of  genius  ;  upon  which  of  all  your  talents  do  you  rely  most  ?"  "  I  have  culti- 
vated only  that  of  pleasing." 

414 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

all  the  saints  that  I  shall  be  up  at  yz  p.  6.  At  i  to 
Lepine's,  to  whom  I  committed  your  watch  to  be  put 
in  perfect  order.  He  knew  it  immediately,  and  by 
turning  to  his  book  told  me  the  day  it  was  sold.  He 
showed  me  many  superb  clocks  and  timepieces.  Sev- 
eral of  curious  construction  and  his  invention. 
Thence  to  my  rendezvous,  Madame  d'C.  Choosing 
to  go  without  my  valet,  it  was  */£  p.  2  before  I  found 
the  street.  The  rooms  are  elegantly  fitted  up.  A 
young  lady  and  a  beautiful  little  boy  urged  me  very 
much  to  walk  in  and  wait  the  return  of  Madame,  but 
my  fit  of  discretion  returned  and  I  came  off  congratu- 
lating myself  on  my  escape  from  a  dangerous  siren. 
The  Major  laughed  at  me  most  heartily  and  swore  I 
should  introduce  him,  but  he  has  a  security  which  God 
forbid  I  should  ever  [have] .  "  Ah  !  Mon  ami,  je  ne  b. 
Plus"  "£hie  vous  etes  heureux1!"  He  is  about  my  age 
but  more  youthful  and  fresh  in  appearance ;  a  very 
handsome,  well-made  man  of  six  feet ;  a  full  chevelure* 
of  fine  chestnut  hair.  Went  to  several  shops  to  hunt 
for  American  maps,  but  found  none  of  any  value. 
Called  again  on  Schoel,  whom  I  met.  A  most  charm- 
ing, prepossessing,  frank,  open  German  face.  Full  of 
bonhommie* :.  We  shall  be  good  acquaintances.  Gave 
me  some  useful  information,  and  an  address  to  Mons. 
de  Valkenaer,  who  is  to  give  me  more.  At  3  came  in 
le  Comte  de  Volney4.  He  had  peruke,  and  I  did  not 

I  Possibly  for  "  Ah!  Mon  ami,  je  ne  tois  flui."  "  Que  vous  etes  heureux  !"  "Ah,  my 
friend,  I  drink  no  more."  "  How  fortunate  you  are  !  " 

l     Head  of  hair. 

J     For  bonhomie.     Good  nature. 

4  Constantin  Francois  de  Chasseboeuf  de  Volney  (1757-1820),  a  French  scholar  and  author. 
He  traveled  in  Syria  and  Egypt  in  1785-87,  and  in  the  United  States;  was  a  member  of  the  Con- 
stituent Assembly ;  and  was  made  a  count  by  Napoleon  and  a  peer  by  Louis  XVIII.  He  was  a 
prolific  writer.  His  most  famous  work  is,  "  Raines,  ou  Meditations  sur  les  Revolutions  des 
£»„>„"  (.791). 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

recognize  him.  Turned  his  profile;  still  meconnoisable1. 
Gave  me  his  name,  and  we  embraced.  Sat  an  hour. 
Have  not  been  out  since  5,  and  have  made  but  one 
meal.  Tea,  bread,  and  butter. 

21.  Still  hard  winter.     With  my  great  chimney 
and  small  room  ventilated  at  a  thousand  crevices,  and 
wood  at   25   sous   for  five  small  sticks,   I   suffer  and 
freeze.      Lay  abed  till  near   10  this  morning  to  keep 
myself  warm.     Sent  my  valet  to   hunt   Barnett,  late 
United  States  consul.     He  is  out  of  town  and  Adet2, 
whose    address    he    brought    me.     At     i     called    on 
Scherer  and   Fringestin,   with   the    letter    of  Sarasin. 
Saw  Scherer,  who  invited  me,  in  the  name  of  his  wife, 
to  a  party  this  evening,  which  declined.      His  estab- 
lishment is  vast  and  splendid.     To   Schoel's  to  get 
Volney's  new  book.      Home  by  way  of  P.  R.?     Took 
a  room  on  the  first  floor ;  wooden  floor,  something 
better  furnished  than  the  other,  but  I  fear  no  warmer, 
at  50  livres  per  month,  with  liberty  to  quit  sooner  on 
paying  a  little  more.     Being  out  of  humor  with  my 
the*  at  30  sous,   and  very  bad,   bought  for   6   livres. 
Had  the  satisfaction  to  make  my  own  slop  in  my  own 
way.     I  have  by  this  means  learned  the  prices  follow- 
ing :     Butter,  36  sous  per  lb.;  coffee,  1 10  sous  per  lb.; 
bread  is  reasonable ;  for  4  sous  I  got  my  day's  allow- 
ance and  more. 

22.  Last   evening,   after  writing  the   preceding 

1  For  meconnaissable.     Not  easy  to  be  known  again. 

2  Pierre  Auguste  Adet    (1763-1852),  was  appointed  minister  from  France  to  the  United  States 
in  1795.     Two  years  later  he  broke  off  his  diplomatic  relations  and  before   returning  to   France 
issued  an   address  to  the  American  people  intended  to  make  them  dissatisfied  with   their  govern- 
ment and  its  policy. 

3  For  Palais  Royal. 

4  Tea. 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

page,  read  three  hours  in  Bentham's  notes  on  Judi- 
ciary. It  answered  the  purpose  of  talking  with  him, 
and  I  caught  a  ray  of  illumination  from  his  genius. 
This  ray  regards  my  own  immediate  concerns.  At  10 
went  to  hunt  Adet,  whom  I  found.  He  recognized 
me  immediately.  Made  an  appointment  to  meet  him 
au  Corps  Legislatif1  at  2.  Hence  to  Volney's  ;  out. 
To  Bovet  and  Bourdillion.  Saw  Bovet,  who  told  me 
that  young  Bourdillion  of  Frankfort  had  announced 
me  several  days  ago.  Thence  home,  and  at  2  au 
Corps  Legislatif.  The  building  is  so  immense  and  so 
intricate  that  I  was  a  long  time  finding  the  right  way. 
Mons.  Adet  met  me,  and  we  walked  through  the 
building  and  talked  for  y2  hour.  Home  at  4.  After 
dinner  walked  two  hours  in  and  about  Palais  Royal, 
where  the  eye  and  the  ear  may  be  always  amused,  and 
the  other  senses,  if  you  please.  Wrote  a  note  to  Due 
de  Cadore.  While  I  was  dining  a  gentleman  came  in 
with  a  written  message  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  I.  Burr, 
Chanoine  du  Chapitre  Collegia!  de  Rbeinfeld  en  Suisse1, 
inquiring  if  I  were  not  son  of  Zacche  Burr,  mer.3 
d'Ostende,  and  hoping  that  we  were  very  nearly 
related.  I  regretted  that  I  could  not  claim  the  honor 
of  any  very  near  relationship,  but  shall  write  a  line  to 
my  coz. 

23.  There  is  no  end  to  this  winter.  By  way  of 
variety,  there  is  now  a  sort  of  sleet.  Yesterday  we 
had  a  little  snow.  Don't  know  at  what  hour  I  go  to 

1  At  the  Legislative  Assembly.     This  body  originated  in  1791  and  existed  under  one  form  or 
another  for  many  years. 

2  Canon  of  the  Collegiate  Chapter  of  Rheinfelden  in  Switzerland. 
}     For  merchant  f 

417 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

bed  or  get  up,  for  your  watch  is  in  the  hands  of  Lepine 
himself,  who  told  me  when  it  was  sold,  to  whom,  and 
for  how  much.  He  promised  that  it  shall  be  put  in 
complete  order.  At  12  to-day  came  in  the  celebrated 
Captain  Haley.  The  first  American  I  have  seen. 
Told  me  that  Vanderlyn1  is  in  Paris,  and  hunting  for 
me.  I  thought  him  in  Rome.  How  glad  !  Major 
or  Colonel  Hunt  and  Barnett  are  on  a  tour  to  sell 
lands.  At  i,  the  weather  notwithstanding,  to  Mons. 

,   the   celebrated   geographer.      Was   received. 

Showed  the  maps  I  wished  to  examine.  Offered  to 
lend  me  any  and  to  give  me  several.  Passed  an  hour 
with  him  much  to  my  satisfaction.  A  sensible,  cheer- 
ful man  of  about  45  ;  I  believe  a  German,  but  speaks 
French  and  English.  Home  at  4.  Before  going  out 
this  morning,  sent  my  note  to  the  Duke  de  Cadore. 
Have  no  answer  yet.  This  evening  a  card  from  Mr. 
and  Madame  Scherer,  to  pass  the  evening  on  Thurs- 
day. 

I  This  was  John  Vanderlyn,  a  celebrated  painter.  He  was  born  at  Kingston,  N.  Y.,  Octo- 
ber 15,  1776.  At  an  early  age  he  attracted  the  attention  of  Burr,  who  invited  him  to  New  York 
and  received  him  in  his  own  house.  Vanderlyn  studied  painting  with  Stuart,  and  in  1796  went 
to  Europe  through  the  assistance  of  Burr,  where  he  remained  five  years.  He  came  back  to  the 
United  States  in  1801,  but  returned  to  Europe  in  1803,  remaining  until  1815.  He  made 
many  admirable  copies  from  the  old  masters;  painted  the  picture  of  Marius  Seated  Amid  the 
Ruins  of  Carthage,  which  gained  the  Louvre  gold  medal  in  1808  ;  the  Murder  of  Jane  McCrea 
by  the  Indians,  and  other  original  works,  which  gave  him  a  high  reputation.  Returning  to  the 
United  States,  he  painted  the  portraits  of  Calhoun,  Clinton,  Madison,  Monroe,  Jackson,  and 
other  distinguished  men.  In  1832  he  was  commissioned  to  paint  a  full-length  portrait  of  Wash- 
ington for  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  and  in  1839  was  commissioned  to  paint  the 
Landing  of  Columbus  for  the  Rotunda  of  the  Capitol.  The  later  years  of  Vanderlyn's  life  were 
spent  in  poverty.  He  died  at  Kingston,  N.  Y.,  September  23,  1852. 

The  following  is  the  letter  of  introduction  which  Burr  wrote  for  Vanderlyn  to  Thomas 
Morris  (son  of  Robert  Morris,  the  financier  of  the  Revolution),  residing  at  the  frontier  settle- 
ment of  Canandaigua,  N.  Y.  It  is  dated  New  York,  September  18,  1801  : 

"  Mr.  Vanderlyn,  the  young  painter  from  Eusopus,  who  went  about  six  years  ago  to  Paris, 
has  recently  returned,  having  improved  his  talents  in  a  manner  that  does  very  great  honour  to 
himself,  his  friends,  and  his  country;  proposing  to  return  to  France  in  the  spring,  he  wishes  to 
take  with  him  some  American  views,  and  for  this  purpose  he  is  now  on  his  way  through  your 
country  to  Niagara.  I  beg  your  advice  and  protection.  He  is  a  perfect  stranger  to  the  roads, 
the  country,  and  the  customs  of  the  people,  and,  in  short,  knows  nothing  but  what  immediately 
concerns  painting.  From  some  samples  which  he  has  left  here,  he  is  pronounced  to  be  the  best 
painter  that  now  is  or  ever  has  been  in  America.  Your  affectionate  friend,  A.  BURR." 

4l8 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

24.  Did  not  go  out  of  my  room  yesterday  after 
dinner.     Voila  huit  jours  in  Paris1  without  having  been 
to  a  theatre  or   place  of  amusement,  though  I  am  in 
the  very  center  of  theatres,  bah  masque  et  non  masque1, 
and  shows  of  all   sorts.     I  had  set  my  heart  on  one 
object,  and  that  one  sufficed  for  occupation  and  amuse- 
ment, but  two  days  having  now  elapsed  since  my  note 
to   the   Due  and  no   reply,  I  may  conclude  that  my 
hopes  of  business  are  at  an   end.     Though  couche  at 
i,  did  not  rise  till  near  10.     At  i  to  Captain  Haley's, 
whence  sent  a  note    to   Vanderlyn,  requiring   him  to 
present    himself.     Roved    two    hours.     Home    at  4. 
Potage  au  ris  -pour  din.,  8  sous.     Sor.  6.    Bo't  bru.  and 
cas.,  20  sous.     Rencon.  2,  i  bonne;  encore,  jd;  i^fra.l 
Voila  de  I 'econ*     Home  at  9.      Bo't  b'd,  8  sous4.     At 
12  Major  Thomas  came  in  to  take  leave.     He  goes 
to  Portugal. 

25.  Couche  i.     Rose  9.     Perhaps  this  great  tor- 
por may  arise  from  having  left  off  my  evening  tea, 
which  was  a  very  great  luxury,  but  certain  objections 
which  you  can  divine.     Waited  till  yz    p.  1 1  in  hopes 
of  seeing  Vanderlyn,  but  he  came  not.     Is  it  possible 
that  he,  too,  can  have  turned  rascal?    Sor.  12  to  Comte 

de  Volney.     T:  Le  Chev.5  de .     Sat  */2  hour. 

Gave  him   several   commissions,  which  he  undertook 
cheerfully.      The    sessions    of  the    senat6  are    always 

1  For  Voila  huit  jours  que  je  suis  in  Paris,  etc.     Here  I  have  been  eight  days  in  Paris. 

2  For  bah  masques  et  nan  masques.     Masquerade  balls  and  balls  without  masquerade. 

J  For  Potage  au  rix,  four  diner,  8  sous.  Son  a  six  heures.  Bought  Brod  and  Kase,  2O 
sous.  Deux  rencontres,  dont  Vune  fut  bonne;  encore  une  rencontre,  la  troisiime;  13  francs. 
Voila  de  riconomic  !  Rice  soup  for  dinner,  8  sous.  Go  out  at  6.  Bought  bread  and  cheese. 
Two  rencounters,  one  good  ;  another,  the  third,  13  francs!  That's  economy  for  you  ! 

4     Bought  bread,  8  sous. 

$     For  le  Chevalier  de . 

6     The  senate. 

419 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

secret ;  no  one  admitted.  The  treaty  with  Sweden 
proclaimed  in  all  form  yesterday.  Forgot  to  tell  you 
that  I  met  one  of  the  processions  yesterday  on  the 
Pont  Neuf1.  The  carnival  must  have  commenced, 
for  I  meet  in  the  streets  persons  in  the  most  fantas- 
tique*  attire.  Some  covered  from  head  to  foot  with 
slips  of  various  colored  paper,  imitating  plumes ; 
others  a  I'barlequin*,  &c.  The  weather  has  become 
mild.  Two  days  of  strong  south  wind,  with  mist. 
Dinner  yz  p.  mjol.  and  bru.*1  but  first  au  bain*,  30  sous. 
On  return  from  bain  found  card  of  V.  D.  L.6  Went 
at  6  to  find  him,  a  full  league.  The  address  must  be 
wrong,  for  at  71  Vaugirard  he  was  not  known.  Called 
on  Captain  Haley  on  return.  He  tells  me  that  S. 
Broome  is  here,  and  desirous  of  seeing  me  !  Home 
at  8.  Did  not  go  out  again.  Resol.7  to  make  further 
attempt  to  get  hearing. 

26.  Couche  i.  Rose  7.  At  9  to  Captain 
Haley's  to  get  him  to  show  me  Vanderlyn's  quarters. 
He  had  given  me  the  wrong  number,  71  instead  ot 
72.  They  were  yz  mile  distant.  Found  Vanderlyn. 
He  is  the  same  as  ci-dev?  Took  breakfast  with  him. 
An  hour  looking  at  his  pictures.  Marius  on  the 
Ruins  of  Carthage  obtained  the  gold  medal  in  1808. 
I  see  nothing  in  that  line  to  exceed  it.  Other  admir- 
able things,  both  original  and  copied.  Then  walked 


1  One  of  the  great  bridges  over  the  Seine  ;  literally,  new  bridge. 

2  Fantastic. 

J  For  a  rharlcquin.     In  the  manner  of  a  harlequin. 

4  Probably  for  %  pint  mjili  and  trod.     Milk  and  bread. 

5  To  the  bath. 

6  For  Vanderlyn.     It  is  in  this  way  that  Burr  usually  abbreviates  the  name. 

7  For  resolve. 

8  For  ci-devant.     Heretofore. 


420 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr. 

to  his  shoemaker's.  Thence  to  St.  Mar.  Gate1,  where 
Madame  Senat  lately  lodged,  that  is  to  say,  six  years 
ago.  No  person  at  the  house  had  any  recollection  of 
her,  so  that  matter  must  be  given  up.  Thence  to  the 
Louvre1.  The  statues  and  pictures  ;  the  Venus  de 
Medici,  Apollo  de  Belvidere,  Laocoon',  &c.  The 
gallery  containing  the  paintings  is  1,400  French  feet 
long,  about  1,550  English,  besides  a  very  large  hall. 
Home  at  4.  Pot.  au  ris.4  At  6  to  the  little  Vaud- 
ville5  Theatre,  where  were  performed  "Le  Mar.  de 

"6,  "Le ",  et  le  fandango' ',  each  about  an 

hour  long.  Home  y2  p.  10.  The  theatre  is  small  and 
very  plain.  No  scenery  but  a  change  of  rooms. 
Paterre*,  orchestra,  and  five  rows  of  boxes.  For  the 
first  and  second  row  of  boxes  and  orchestra  you  pay 
un  ecu  de  6  francs9.  All  the  parts  extremely  well 
acted. 

27.  Vanderlyn  came  in  about  9  and  took  break- 
fast with  me,  and  went  with  me  to  Fonzi,  the  dentiste10. 

28.  Fruitless   tour  to  find   Fonzi.     Visit  from 
Comte  de  Volney.     Visit  to  Adet.     To   Fonzi.     A 


1  Saint  Martin's  Gate,  one  of  the  well-known   gates  of  old  Paris.     It  was  a  triumphal  arch 
erected  in  1674  in  honour  of  Louis  XIV. 

2  The  Louvre  is  one  of  the   most  extensive   and  historically  interesting  buildings  in  the 
world.     It  was  a  castle  for  the   kings  of  France  from  or  before  the  thirteenth  century,  and  the 
chief  royal  palace  until  Louis  XIV.  built    Versailles.     It  has  been  changed  and  enlarged  in  the 
course   of  the   centuries.     A    great   deal   of   the   interior   has   been   occupied   since    1795    by 
the  famous  museum. 

j  The  Venus  of  Medici,  now  in  the  Uffizi  Gallery  in  Florence,  and  the  Apollo  Belvidere 
and  the  Laocoon,  now  in  the  Vatican  at  Rome,  were  among  the  many  celebrated  works  of  art 
which  fell  into  Napoleon's  hands  about  1796  and  were  transferred  to  the  Louvre,  where  they 
remained  till  1815. 

4  For  Potage  au  rix..     Rice  soup  or  porridge. 

5  Meaning  probably  le  Theatre  du  Vaudeville,  the  Vaudeville  Theatre  near  the  Louvre. 

6  Probably  for  "  Le  Marquis  de ,"  or  "  Le  Mariage  de ." 

7  The  fandango  is  a  Spanish  dance  in  triple  time,  usually  accompanied  by  castanets. 

8  For  parterre.     Pit. 

9  Literally  a  crown  of  6  francs. 
10     Dentist. 

42I 


Private     y  o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

note  from  min.  rel.  ext.1  appointing  M.  Roux2  to  treat 
with  me.  To  Piquet's,  where  bought  map  of  the 
United  States  and  of  Mexico  for  9  francs. 

Paris,  March  i,  1810.  To  the  chaponier's*,  the 
greatest  rascal  in  Paris.  Paid  15  francs  for  using  a 
hat  and  sword  one  hour,  and  27  livres  for  a  round  hat 
hors  du  mode*1.  But,  thank  God,  I  am  quit  of  him. 
To  Comte  de  Volney  at  1 1  ;  out.  To  Hauterive's  ; 
out.  To  Vanderlyn,  with  whom  left  the  picture  to  be 
put  into  the  hands  of  an  engraver.  Home  at  i,  and 
at  2  to  Roux,  with  whom  an  hour.  A  sensible,  ami- 
able young  man.  Home  at  ^  p.  3.  At  4  came 
Vanderlyn ;  at  7  Mr.  B.  At  8  to  Scherer's.  Was 
the  first  arrived.  They  were  coming  till  past  10. 
Danced  till  2.  Le  gr.  Suisse*.  Lebeaujils^deCon- 
inck.  Mr.  La  Cas7  et  sa  jo.  fern,  espag*  General 

Waltershoff.      Bar.  ,    min.  de   Soed?     General 

Valleme.      Madame ,   che.   am.  de   Mirabeau10. 


1  For  Ministre  des  Relations  Extirieurei.     Minister   of  Exterior  (».  «.,  Foreign)  Relations. 

2  Louis  Roux  (1759-1817).     At  the  beginning  of  the  Revolution  a  priest.      He  was  a  deputy 
to  the  Convention  and  voted  for  the  death  of  Louis  XVI.     He  was  one  of  the  committee  which 
prepared  the  constitution  of  179}.     Afterward  was  a  member  of  the  Committee  of  Public  Safety, 
then  a  member  of  the  council  of  500.     After  1797  he  became  archivist  to  the  ministry  of  police 
under  Fouch^.     He  went  over  to  the  ministry  of  commerce  during   the  consulate   and   empire 
and  sat  in  the  chamber  of  representatives  during  the  Hundred  Days.     In  1816  he  was  compelled 
to  leave  France  as  a  regicide. 

3  For  chafelier.     Hatter. 

4  for  hors  de  mode.     Out  of  style. 

5  For  Le  grand  suisse.     The   tall   Swiss  guard.     This   word   has  a   history.     Mercenaries 
from  Switzerland  were  used   as   a   species   of  bodyguard  by   foreign  sovereigns  of  France  and 
Naples  and  also  by  other  monarchs.     The  proper  noun  became   a   common  noun,   synonymous 
with  bodyguard.     The  guards  at  the  Vatican  are  still  so  called. 

6  For  beau-jils.     Son-in-law. 

7  Meaning  Las  Cases,  mentioned  further  on. 

8  Mr.  L.  and  his  pretty  Spanish  wife  (sa  jolie  femme  esfagnole). 

9  For  Ministre  de  la  Suede.     Swedish  Minister. 

10  For  chire  amie  de  Mirabeau.  Dear  friend  of  Mirabeau.  There  were  several  Mirabeaus, 
but  the  reference  is  probably  to  the  celebrated  Gabriel  Honor^  Riquetti,  Comte  de  Mirabeau, 
(1749-1791),  the  greatest  orator  of  the  French  Revolution.  The  lady  hinted  at  by  Burr  but  not 
named  may  have  been  Madame  de  Nehra,  whom  Mirabeau  met  during  his  flight  into  Holland 
and  whom  he  later  sent  to  Paris  to  make  his  peace  with  the  authorities.  For  years  she  exercised 
a  wholesome  influence  on  the  headstrong,  passionate  Mirabeau. 


422 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

La  Russet  La  Portug*.  Tea,  cakes,  ices,  lemonade, 
sangaree,  finally  soups ;  all  served  round.  Home  at 
3.  Carriage  hire,  going  and  coming,  4  francs  10 
sous. 

2.  Couche  3.     Rose   7.     At  9   to   Hauterive's. 
The  porter  said  his  master  was  abroad,  which  was  a 
lie,  and  that  Madame  was  too  indisposed  to  see  any 
one,  which  was   another.     That   he  was  charged  by 
Monsieur  to  say  to  me,  in  case  I  should  call,  that,  if  I 
had  anything  to  communicate  or  require,  it  ought  to 
be  by  letter,  as  his  engagements,  &c.,  did  not  allow 
him  the  time  to  see  me  !     There's  for  you  !     To  Mr. 
Roux's  house  at  10,  to  make  supplementary  commun- 
ication;  passed^  hour.     Home  at  n.     Coach-hire, 
4  francs.     At  i  to  Baron  d' Alberg,  Minister  of  Bade' ; 
out ;  left  letter  and  card.     To  Scherer's  to  get  sundry 
addresses,  and  to  get  him  to  find  Louisa  Marlow.    To 
hunt   General   Waltershoff,   but   could    not    find   the 
house.     To   Comte  de  Volney's  ;  out.     Home  at  3. 
Coach  hire,  3  franc  losous.     "  Un  bon.  consommation " 4 
which  was  scarcely  mangable*  for  din.,  8  sous.     At  4  to 
de  Zauche's,  the  geographer.     Bought  two  maps  for  4 
francs.     To  Vanderlyn's  ;  out.     A  little  stupid  or  so. 
At  9  came  in  Mr.  Bro.     Ate  bread  and  smoked  and 
sat  till  y2  p.  n. 

3.  Couche  i.     Rose  7.     Again  to  Scherer's  to 
get  the  address  of  Waltershoff,  but  did   not  get   it. 

I     The  Russian  lady. 

z     For  La.  Portugaise.     The  Portuguese  lady. 

3  French  name  of  Baden,  Germany. 

4  For  une  bonne  consommation.     Literally,  a  good  consumption.     As  here  used  the  word  con- 
itmmation  is  somewhat  vulgar.     The  phrase  represents  the  English  phrase,  "  good  feed." 

5  For  mangeable.     Eatable.     Din.  for  diner. 

423 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

To  Volney's ;  out.  To  Mons.  la  Case1,  whom  saw ; 
very  civil ;  has  been  in  the  United  States.  Is  int.1 
with  Carmg.J  un  horn.  qu.  veu.fai.  cbem.4 

P.  M.  Note  from  Baron  d'Alberg  to  dine  with 
him  on  Monday.  Au  Theatre  Fran9ois5,  where  saw 
the  new  tragedy  of  "  Brunebart"  and  after,  the  "  Ear- 
bier  de  Seville  ou  Figaro6"  par  Beaumarchais.  I 

thought  M'lle better  in  tragedy  than  Madame 

7,  who  is  the  Siddons  of  Paris.  Sat  next  an 

English  lady.  The  Emperor  came  in  during  the 
fourth  act,  and  was  vis-a-vis  de  moi*  Had  a  good 
view  of  him.  There  was  clapping  in  the  pit  when  he 
entered  and  when  he  went  out.  He  made  a  slight 
bow  on  going  out. 

Paris,  March  10,  1810.  Just  one  week  since  I 
have  written  you  a  line,  for  which  I  have  no  apology 
to  offer.  The  Emperor  attends  service  (mass)  every 
Sunday  at  his  chapel.  He  also  attends  frequently 
reviews  in  the  Tuileries9.  To  assist10  at  either  requires 

1  Comte  Emmanuel  Augustin  Dieudonn^   de  Las  Cases  (1766-1842)  was  a   French   historian 
of  considerable  repute.     In  1808  Napoleon  made   him   a  baron  and  gave  him   a  position  in  the 
council  of  state.     He  is  best  known  to  the  world  as  the  companion  of  the  fallen  Emperor  at  St. 
Helena,  to  whom  Napoleon  dictated  a  part  of  his  memoirs,  which  he  afterwards  published.     As  a 
young  man  Las  Cases  had  been  several  times  in  the  United  States. 

2  Probably  for  intimate. 

3  The  name  carmagnole  was  originally  applied  to  a  wild  dance  and  song  popularized   by  the 
French  revolutionists  of  1789.     It  also  came  to  be  applied  to   the  extreme   revolutionists.     Burr 
may  mean  that  the  man  named  was  intimate  with  the  most  rabid  revolutionists. 

4  For    un  tiomme    qui   veut  faire    son    chemin.     A    man    who    means   to  make    his  way  ;  an 
ambitious  man.     Perhaps  there  is  in  these  words  a  squint  at  Burr's  own  plots,  for  he   was  con- 
stantly on  the  outlook  for  persons  whom  he  might  use  in  realizing  his  dream  of  Mexico. 

5  For  Theatre  Fran<;ais. 

6  Beaumarchais  wrote  two  very  famous  comedies,  the  most  famous  of  their  class  since  those 
of  Moliere.     Their  titles  were,  "  Li  Barbier  de  Seville  "  (1775)  and  "  Le  Mariage  de  Figaro  " 
(1781).     Figaro  is  the  principal  character  in  both  plays. 

7  Burr  does  not  give  the  name.     Perhaps  Duchesnois. 

8  For    vis-a-vis  de  moi.     Opposite  me. 

9  The  Tuileries,  properly  speaking,  no  longer  exists,  having  been  demolished  by  the  Com- 
munists in  1871.     It  was  an  old  palace,  built  originally  in  the   sixteenth   century.     Before  the 
Revolution  it  had  been  used  at  times  as  a  temporary  residence  of  the  kings,  but  after  that  epoch 
it  became  the  permanent  abode  of  the  French  rulers. 

10     This  verb  is  at  best  a  Gallicism.     An   authority  says  :  "  Assist  for  '  be  present '  still  has 
foreign  air  about  it."     Lord  Macaulay  and  Dr.  Newman  used  the  word. 


424 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

a  ticket,  and  I  have  not  yet  had  influence  enough 
to  procure  one  for  either.  Sunday,  Monday  and 
Tuesday  I  was  very  busy  preparing  a  letter  intended 
to  be  presented  to  the  Emperor.  When  it  was  nearly 
done,  something  occurred,  which  altered  my  mind. 
On  Monday  dined  with  the  Baron  d'Alberg.  There 
was  a  Count  Louis  (senateur*,  I  think),  General  Val- 
lance,  two  ladies,  and  five  other  gentlemen.  Gamp 
was  of  so  small  account  that  neither  chair  nor  plate 
was  provided  for  him,  and  he  stood  a  minute  after  all 
were  seated.  Mons.  le  Baron  d'Alberg  is  a  man  of 
about  32,  Madame  about  the  same.  He  has  been 
created  a  Duke  by  the  Emperor.  While  I  was  pre- 
paring my  letter  I  had  occasion  for  some  maps,  which, 
on  my  first  visit  to  Valkenaer,  he  had  offered  to  lend 
me,  but  which  I  then  declined.  On  Wednesday  went 
to  him  to  ask  the  loan.  He  denied  having  made  such 
offer,  and  treated  me  rudely.  Monday  had  a  note 
from  Madame  L.,  requesting  an  interview.  After 
leaving  d'Alberg's,  called  on  Madame.  A  sensible, 
well-bred  woman.  Has  a  daughter  about  16.  The 
husband  of  Madame  has  been  in  America  six  years, 
having,  as  I  take  it,  abandoned  wife  and  daughter. 
Adet  has  not  returned  my  visit.  On  Monday  evening 
with  Vanderlyn  at  the  opera.  The  scenery,  and  bal- 
lets, and  decorations  are  charming,  and  that  is  all.  On 
Tuesday  a  minuit  au  grand  bal  masque*  at  the  Theatre 
Imperial.  There  were  very  few  characteristic  dresses, 
and  about  one  thousand  people.  It  appeared  to  me 


1  Senator. 

2  At  midnight  to  the  grand  masquerade. 


425 


Private     y  o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr. 

that  at  least  900  ennuied1  themselves.  I  was  without 
mask.  Took  seat  in  the  boxes,  promenaded  a  little 
the  room,  and  came  off  at  2  o'clock.  A  gentleman 
remarked  that  the  English  had  no  word  to  express 
ennui1 :,  which  he  thought  the  more  remarkable  as  they 
were  so  subject  to  that  evil.  No,  replied  /<?  Comte  de 
L.  In  England  it  is  conceived  to  be  the  natural  state, 
and  synonymous  with  existence,  and,  therefore,  no 
word  requisite.  This  P.  M.  wrote  note  to  Adet,  to 
remind  him  of  the  ticket  for  the  chapel.  He  answered 
that  he  had  applied,  and  it  had  been  refused.  Thurs- 
day called  at  Fonzi's  to  take  Vanderlyn  to  the  Theatre 
Comique.  There  were  Madame  F.  and  Mr.  de 
Castro,  and  we  staid  and  passed  the  evening  there. 
De  Castro  is  very  charming.  The  other  sensible  and 
amiable.  I  have  been  running  all  this  week  to  book- 
sellers to  hunt  something,  particularly  dictionaries,  for 
you.  There  is  no  good  dictionary  of  the  French 
language.  The  National  Institutez  are  now  occupied 
in  that  affair,  and  their  work  may  be  expected  to 
appear  about  the  year  1835  ;  so  a  distinguished  mem- 
ber of  that  body  informed  me.  Yesterday  called  on 
M.  Roux  to  know  if  any  answer.  None  ;  but  the 
Minister  hoped  I  would  not  be  impatient  to  leave 
Paris.  To-day  called  again  on  Mr.  R.,  and,  after 
conversation,  agreed  to  take  dinner  with  him  enfamille. 

I  This  word  is  certainly  English  in  our  day,  although  it  still  has  a  foreign  sound. 
Caleb  Colton  says :  "  Ennui,  perhaps,  has  made  more  gamblers  than  avarice,  more  drunkards 
than  thirst,  and  perhaps  as  many  suicides  as  despair.1' 

1  The  French  Academy  (/,' Academic  Framboise)  was  founded  by  Cardinal  Richelieu  in 
1635  for  the  purpose  of  controlling  the  French  language  and  regulating  literary  taste.  Among 
the  objects  provided  for  in  its  constitution  was  the  preparation  of  a  dictionary  of  the  French 
language.  The  first  edition  of  the  celebrated  "  Dictionnaire  de  V  Acadimie"  appeared  in  1694 
while  the  seventh  came  out  in  1878.  The  "  French  Academy  "  is  but  one  of  five  academies 
comprised  in  the  National  Institute  of  France. 

426 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

There  were,  besides  him,  Madame,  and  //J,  two  gen- 
tlemen and  a  lady.  Was  amused  and  something  more. 
Home  at  9.  My  friend,  Captain  Haley,  has  left  town 

for  a  fortnight.     Le  Comte  de  L also  for  eight 

days.  Cannot  hear  of  Delage,  Senat,  or  Marlow.  At 
this  late  hour,  am  going  to  make  a  slop  tea. 

1 1 .  The  tea  kept  me  awake  till  4,  and  then  I 
locked  my  door  to  prevent  the  coming  in  of  the  ser- 
vant as  usual  at  7.  Slept  till  10,  which  have  had 
reason  to  regret.  First,  D.  Swede,  whom  I  wished 
much  to  see,  called  at  9,  and  I  was  reported  out. 
Second,  at  8  came  a  note  from  Mons.  R.,  informing 
me  that  Mr.  M.  would  conduct  me  to  the  Tuileries, 
and  procure  me  admission  to  see  the  reviews  at  y2  p. 
9  ;  that,  too,  was  lost.  I  did,  however,  call  on  Mr. 
M.  about  y2  p.  u,  and  he  was  still  waiting  for  me; 
but  the  Tuileries  gates  were  shut,  and  there  was  no 
entrance.  We  were  turned  off  very  rudely.  Thence 

to  Schoel's.    Saw  Mr.  and  Mrs. .    Met  several 

regiments  passing  the  bridge,  coming  from  the  parade. 
At  3  to  Madame  Loigerot's.  She  tells  me  of  several 
ladies  of  my  acquaintance  ;  among  others,  Mrs.  Rob- 
ertson (c.  d.  Reid)  whom  you  knew  at  New  York  ; 
now  a  widow,  he  having  died  six  months  ago.  Am  to 
meet  Madame  R.  at  Madame  L.'s  on  Tuesday  even- 
ing. Home  at  4,  and  have  not  been  out  since. 
Vanderlyn  came  in  at  8,  took  tea,  and  staid  till  10. 
Have  a  vile  sore  throat  since  four  days.  It  grows 
worse  and  yields  to  nothing.  Din.  fillibonka1. 

I     Even  in  Paris  Burr  likes  to  return  now  and  then  to  his  favorite  Swedish  dish. 


Private     journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

12.  The  tea  kept  me  awake  till  4.  Rose  at  9, 
quite  choaked1  with  sore  throat.  Walked  out  an  hour 
before  breakfast,  though  a  chilly  morning,  to  hunt 
your  dictionaries,  but  have  not  purchased.  There  is 
not  yet  any  very  good  dictionary.  A  new  edition  of 
the  Academy,  by  Moulardier  and  Le  Clerc,  not  being 
issued  under  the  proper  authority,  has,  I  am  told,  been 
condemned.  It  is,  however,  in  one  shop  offered  for 
sale  at  the  enormous  price  of  80  francs,  in  two  volumes 
quarto.  The  "Die.  Critique"2'  of  Feraud,  not  pre- 
tending to  be  a  complete  dictionary  of  the  language, 
in  three  volumes,  may,  at  the  same  time,  be  had  for 
36  francs.  That  of  Gattel,  in  two  volumes  octavo,  for 
14  francs.  The  last  two  I  shall  buy  for  you,  and  the 
new  edition  of  the  "  Die.  des  Synonyms"1.  But  how 
they  are  to  be  got  out  to  you  is  a  circumstance  not 
yet  foreseen,  all  commerce  on  both  sides  being  pro- 
hibited. Home,  and  took  some  tea  and  bread,  which 
swallowed  with  difficulty.  At  I  to  Swediaur's,  and 
gave  him  a  louis4  professionally,  the  first  cent  spent  in 
this  way  in  ten  years.  He  tells  me  nothing  new,  but 
with  the  ordinary  remedies  thinks  I  will  be  able  to 
speak  and  swallow  in  three  or  four  days.  The  latter 
is  of  little  consequence  to  me,  you  know ;  but  the 
former  may  be  of  very  great,  having  yet  a  hope  of 
being  called  on  for  explanations,  &c.  The  Doctor 
gave  me  the  address  of  another  bookseller,  Madame 
Paschaud,  genevoise*.  I  was  very  agreeably  surprised 

I  So  in  the  MS. 

a  For"  La  Dictionnaire  Critique."     "  The  Critical  Dictionary." 

J  For"  La  Dictionnaire  des  Sjnonymes."     "The  Dictionary  of  Synonyms." 

4  The  fee  seems  extremely  high. 

5  For  Genevoise.     A  Genevese  lady. 

428 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron    Burr. 

to  find  a  beautiful,  sensible,  well-bred  woman.  Sat  ^ 
hour,  and  engaged  to  call  again  as  visitor,  though  I 
am  yet  incog.  Called  on  my  shoemaker,  who  is  as 
faithless  as  any  American  mechanick1.  Home  at  3. 

28.  Looking  over  my  scraps,  I  cannot  find  that 
I  have  written  you  a  line  since  the  I2th  inst.,  nor  have 
I  any  sort  of  apology  to  offer  for  the  negligence.  Not 
want  of  leisure,  for  of  that  I  have  but  too  much.  It 
was  on  that  day  that  I  saw  Madame  Paschaud,  and  I 
have  been  there  regularly  twice  a  day.  Have  passed 
every  evening  with  her  save  one.  Have  walked  with 
her ;  been  to  the  opera ;  dined  there  two  or  three 
times  enfam*  She  introduced  me  to  her  sister,  who 
is  married  and  settled  here  ;  also  to  the  very  vener- 
able and  interesting  Mons.  Suard3,  eminent  for  his 
literary  talents  and  acquirements.  My  principal  rival 

is   Mons.   Cha ,  who  comes  very  often  with  a 

very  elegant  equipage.  Madame  is  about  the  size  and 
form  of  Dolly4,  though  some  ten  years  younger,  still 
larger.  Very  black  hair  and  eyes.  A  fine,  clear,  fair 
brunette,  with  the  complexion  of  full  health.  Her 
husband  is  at  Geneve5.  I  rather  think  that  she  must 
be  the  cause  that  I  have  not  written  you.  This 
evening  she  goes  to  a  ball,  so  that  I  am  at  home  at  10 
(having  just  now  left  her),  which  is  at  least  one  hour 
earlier  than  usual.  Have  dined  once  with  Swediaur. 
A  pleasant,  social  party  of  eight ;  among  them  Oelsner, 

1  So  in  the  MS. 

2  For  en  famille. 

3  Jean  Baptiste  Antoine  Suard  (1735-1817)  was  a  very  voluminous  French  writer.     For  many 
years  he  was  theatrical  censor  at  Paris.     In  1803  he  became   perpetual  secretary  of  the  class  of 
language  and  literature  of  the  French  Academy. 

4  The  reference  may  be  to  Mrs.  James  Madison,  known  to  her  intimate  friends  as  Dolly. 

5  For  Geneve.     Geneva. 

429 


Private     y  ourn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr. 

to  whom  he  had  introduced  me  some  days  before. 
Oelsner  introduced  me  to  a  very  singular  and  amiable 
man,  (fun  certain  age1,  le  Comte  de  Slubrendorf. 
There  met  the  celebrated  Abbe  Gerard2  and  a  Polish 
nobleman.  Yesterday  called  on  Mrs.  Robertson,  the 
widow  of  Dr.  Robertson,  who  has  here  a  very  elegant 
establishment.  She  is  amazingly  well  preserved.  She 
told  me  that  young  T.  Butler  and  one  of  his  sisters 
are  here  for  his  health.  Called  on  him,  but  they  were 
out.  Was  at  a  ball  at  Scherer's  on  Thursday.  There 
were  several  fine  women.  A  young  Swiss  of  the  name 
of  de  Rham  introduced  himself  to  me.  He  has  been 
five  years  in  the  United  States.  Left  New  York  in 
December  last.  Intimate  with  the  Laights,  &c.  A 
young  Frenchman,  nomme*  Paul,  also  just  from  Phila- 
delphia. He  met  me  in  the  street,  and  claimed  my 

acquaintance.        Madame     ,     author     of     the 

"  Orpbelins  "4,  sent  me  a  copy  of  her  book,  with  a 
pretty  note,  which  cost  me  a  louis.  Very  silly.  On 
Friday  last  wrote  to  his  Majesty  the  King  of  West- 
phalia5, asking  an  audience,  but  he  had  gone  to 
Compiegne6.  Have  had  several  interviews  with  M. 
Roux,  and  once  dined  with  him.  Have  no  reason  to 
believe  that  my  business  advances,  or  that  I  shall  do 

I     An  elderly  gentleman  (age). 

i  This  was  probably  Philippe  Louis  Gerard  (1737-1815)  who  was  a  well-known  French 
ecclesiastic  of  the  period.  His  work  on  "  The  Errors  of  the  Reason  "  was  for  many  years 
widely  read  in  France.  There  was  another  well-known  churchman  of  the  time  named  Francois 
Girard  (1755-1811)  who  assisted  Marie  Antoinette  during  her  last  moments,  and  subsequently 
became  canon  of  Notre  Dame  in  Paris. 

5     For  nomme.     Named. 

4  "  The  Orphans." 

5  Jerome  Bonaparte  was  King  of  Westphalia  from  1807  to  1813. 

6  Compiegne  is  a  town  on  the  river  Oise,  northeast  of  Paris.     It  is  notable  as  having  been 
in  former  times  a  favorite  royal  residence.     There  was  an  ancient  palace  from  the  Merovingian 
times  which  was  rebuilt  in  the  time  of  Louis  XV.  and  beautifully  fitted  up  by  Napoleon  I.     It 
was  at  Compiegne  that  Joan  of  Arc  was  taken  prisoner  in  1450. 

430 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

anything  here.  On  Monday  called  on  Mr.  Ferris,  an 
Irishman,  related  to  Blennerhasset1.  Visit  returned 
yesterday.  Called  on  Schweitzer,  who  has  returned 
the  visit.  He  is  little  changed.  Yesterday  wrote  the 
Prince  de  Benevent,  asking  an  interview,  but  have 
received  no  answer.  Have  seen  Volney  several  times. 
Have  bought  you  dictionaries,  &c.,  to  the  amount  of 
9  louis.  Dined  once  at  a  restaurateur  s1  with  Van- 
derlyn,  3  francs  6  sous.  He  calls  on  me  almost  daily. 
What's  next  to  be  done,  Madame  ? 

Paris,  April  6  or  7,  1810.  Eight  days  more 
without  a  line  !  Paschaud  takes  up  all  my  time.  On 
Wednesday  wrote  a  letter  to  the  King  of  Westphalia, 
desiring  an  audience.  Left  the  letter  in  person. 
Within  two  hours  after,  a  note  from  his  chamberlain, 
giving  me  rendezvous  at  5  P.  M.  same  day.  Went. 
Passed  yz  hour  in  private  with  him.  Was  received 
graciously.  T  the  Count  de  Furstenstein  (camus}1 
claimed  my  acquaintance.  By  order  of  his  Majesty, 
the  Comte  is  to  aid  me  to  translate  ;  for  this  purpose 
rendezvous  chez  lui  at  9  next  morning.  Thence  to 
Paschaud's  to  dine.  They  had  waited  an  hour  for 
me.  In  the  morning  of  the  same  day  called  on  the 


1  Harman  Blennerhasset,  who  has  gone  into  history  as  "  a  victim  of  Aaron  Burr."     He  was 
born  in  Hampshire,  England,  October  8,  1764  or  1765.     He  was  liberally  educated  and  removed 
to  the   United  States,  taking  up   his  abode  on   an  island   in  the  Ohio  river  below  Parkersburg, 
where  he  erected  a  magnificent  house  and  devoted   himself  to  scientific  recreation  and  luxury. 
Burr  met   him  there  and  the  two  embarked  in  the   Mexican  scheme,  both    supplying   money. 
Upon  the  failure  of  the  joint  projects,  Blennerhasset  became   involved  in  litigation  and  confisca- 
tions; he  tried  in  vain  to  recover  his  fortune  and  died  in  Guernsey,  February  I,  i8ji.     His  wife 
wrote  some  books  and  died  in  this  country  while  trying  to  recover  losses  from  the  government. 
Blennerhasset  went  into  a  dangerous  and  difficult  enterprise  with   his  eyes  open ;  he  lost,  and 
spent  the   remainder  of  his  life  in  whimpering.     Burr  lost  far  more,  and  bore  his  losses  like  a 
man,  never  complaining  and  never  condescending  to  explanations  or  excuses. 

2  At  a  restaurant  keeper's. 

}     The  word  means  flat-nosed,  but  it  may  be  intended  here  as  a  nickname. 


431 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Duke  d'Alberg,  who  always  receives  me  kindly.  Told 
him  that  I  wanted  access,  &c.  He  gave  me  note  of 
introduction  to  le  Comte  de  S.,  which  I  transmitted 
forthwith,  requesting  an  interview.  Have  no  reply 
from  this  Comte.  j^.  mir.1  At  an  early  hour,  same 
morning,  called  on  Comte  de  V.  by  appointment. 
Seems  frightened.  Passed  the  evening  of  Wednesday 
with  Paschaud  till  9,  and  then  home  to  write.  Wrote 
a  short  let.  a  S.  M.,  I'E.,  et  RS  At  9  next  morning 
to  Furstenstein's,  to  whom  explained  my  business, 
and  left  him  my  letter  to  translate.  At  5  P.  M. 
called  and  got  the  translation.  Thence  to  Paschaud, 
where  copied  and  sealed  it,  and  sent  it  under  cover  to 
the  Comte,  to  be  delivered  as  he  or  the  King  ot 
Westphalia  should  see  fit.  Staid  with  Pash.  till  n. 
Rose  this  morning  at  6.  My  barber  comes  at  that 
hour,  and  I  have  taken  a  barber  for  no  other  purpose 
but  to  be  waked  regularly.  Eight  sous  per  day.  To 
Fonzi's  at  10,  where  was  detained  three  hours.  At  2 
to  La  Monnoie*,  but  was  too  late.  Au  bibliothec.*  et  au 
Mon.  des  Medailles*  to  see  for  medals  for  Gampy,  but 
had  no  success.  Did  I  ever  tell  you  that  Lepine 
charged  me  3  louis  for  repairing  your  watch  ?  Worse 
still,  he  says,  and  refers  to  his  register,  that  he  received 
for  the  watch  26  louis  only  !  To  Paschaud's  at  4. 

I      For  Latin  quod  mirum  !     How  strange  ! 

z  For  a  Sa  Majesti  /' Emfereur  et  Roi.  To  His  Majesty  the  Emperor  and  King.  Does  Burr 
mean  both  these  titles  for  Napoleon  >  Or  does  the  title  of  king  refer  to  King  Jerome  ! 

}  For  La  Monnaie  or  V Hotel  de  la  Monnaie  or  V Hotel  del  Monnaies.  The  Mint.  This 
was  an  old  institution.  The  present  great  building  was  constructed  from  1771  to  1775. 

4  For  a  la  kibliothique.  To  the  library.  It  was  probably  La  Biblioihique  Ste-Genevieve,  one 
of  the  very  old  libraries  of  Paris. 

5  For  a  la  Monnaie  des  M'edailles.     At  the  medal  mint.    Long  after  the  founding  of  the  mint 
mentioned  in  Note  z,  Louis  XV.   caused  to  be  constructed   a  separate   mint  for  medals,  medal- 
lions, etc.     This  was  discontinued  as  a  separate  establishment  in  1832. 

43  2 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr. 

To  Roux  at  5.  He  has  nothing  to  communicate  ! 
This  morning  I've  called  on  le  Comte  de  Slubrendorf, 
who  always  amuses  and  interests  me.  About  a 
fortnight  ago  that  called  on  Madame  Robertson. 
Refused  to  go  to  Paschaud's  this  evening.  The  only 
one  (save  one)  since  the  I2th  of  March.  Called  on 
Madame  Loigerot.  Home  at  9.  Raw,  chilly  weather, 
and  I  keep  no  fire. 

19.  Rose  7.  Raining  and  chilly  weather.  This 
climate  is  worse  than  ours.  At  1 1  to  S.  P.  B.  to  talk 
of  various  projects.  At  i  to  Madame  Paschaud's. 
Y  Pelough  et  ux.  Home  at  3.  Dressed,  and  at  5 
walked  to  Mr.  Stone's  to  dine.  Y:  Miss  Williams1 
tres  celeb? ;  le  Harpe*  et  ux.;  Madame  Gretanius,  of 
South  Carolina ;  Madame  a  Swede  and  now  veuve 
and  her  beautiful  daughter  dit*  13  but  might  pass  for 
15;  Mr.  Smith,  emig.  d'ecosse  c.  d.  assoc.  de  Muir* ; 
le  Cheval.  Boufflers6  et  ux.;  two  others.  Easy  and 
elegant  hospitality.  Staid  till  */&  p.  10.  This  day 
paid  my  monthly  bills  to  landlord  and  porter ; 

1  Helen  Maria  Williams. 

2  For  tres  celebre.     Very  celebrated.     In  Davis's  alleged  reprint  of  the  Journal  the  abbrevi- 
ation celeb,  is  printed  Coeleb  ! 

j  Frederic  Cesar  de  La  Harpe  (1754-1838)  was  born  in  Switzerland.  As  a  young  man  he 
met  at  Rome  Catherine  II.  of  Russia,  who  invited  him  to  St.  Petersburg  to  take  charge  of  the 
education  of  the  two  young  Grand  Dukes,  Alexander  and  Constantin.  He  accepted  the  post 
and  was  given  the  rank  of  colonel  in  the  Russian  army.  When  the  French  Revolution  broke 
out,  La  Harpe  wrote  revolutionary  letters  to  Switzerland,  which  made  him  an  exile.  He  took 
refuge  in  France.  Soon  the  Swiss  Revolution  broke  out  and  La  Harpe  went  thither  with  the 
French  troops.  He  became  a  member  of  the  directory  of  the  new  republic.  He  attempted  a 
couf  d'etat  after  the  French  fashion,  but  failed.  In  1810  he  went  to  France  again,  but  was  coldly 
received  by  Napoleon.  He  lived  in  retreat  in  the  vicinity  of  Paris  until  about  1815.  In  that 
year  he  again  saw  his  former  pupil,  then  Alexander,  Emperor  of  Russia,  by  whom  he  was  made 
a  general  in  the  Russian  army.  La  Harpe  was  present  at  the  congress  of  Vienna,  and  it  is  said 
that  it  was  due  to  his  influence  over  Alexander  that  Switzerland,  La  Harpe's  native  land,  fared 
better  than  other  countries  at  the  hands  of  the  congress.  He  passed  his  last  days  at  Lausanne, 
Switzerland. 

4  Said  to  be. 

5  For  emigre  d' Econe, ci-devant  assacie  de  Muir.     Scotch  emigrant,  formerly  Muir's  associate. 

6  Catherine  Stanislas,  Marquis  de   Boufflers   (1738-1815  )called  Abbe  and  afterwards  Cheva- 
lier de  Boufflers.     He  was  a  French    litterateur,  soldier,  and  courtier,  and  for  three  years  was 
Governor  of  Senegal.     His  best-known  literary  work  was  "  Voyage    en  Suisse,"  ("  Journey  in 
Switzerland  ").     He  was  a  disciple  and  friend  of  Voltaire. 

433 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

together  80  francs.  Non.  Foici1 :  Doprez,  58.11; 
porter,  16.1  and  etrennesL>  12  ;  equal  86  francs  13  sous. 
Story  of  Le  Roy  Mard  de  Modes  et  FEmp}  Yester- 
day, i8th,  rose  9.  To  Fonzi's  at  10  and  till  n.  To 

the  imprim.  de  fayance  de  Stone  et  Co.4  with ,  the 

young  German  introduced  to  me  by  Madame 

c.  d.s  Langworthy.  Mr.  Stone  asked  me  to  dine  to- 
morrow, 1 9th.  At  yz  p.  2  to  Paschaud.  Thence  to 
le  Muse  des  Antiq?  The  tombs  and  monuments  for 
1,400  years;  Gabrielle7  of  Henry  IV.;  Marie  de 
Medici.  To  Paschaud's  till  4.  Thence  to  Vander- 
lyn's,  but  he  had  company  and  did  not  stay  to  dine. 
On  way  home  bought  bru?  and  called  at  Rochetti's. 
Home  y2  p.  5.  Tea  for  din.  At  8  to  Paschaud's 
and  till  */£  p.  10.  Mus.  10  francs.  Mauv.g  Much 

sH     *      :]:      :;:u. 

17.      Rose  7.     To   Paschaud's  at    1 1  ;  asked  to 
dine,  but  was   engaged  with  young   German,  Gerhard 

Oncken.     At  5  went  with  him  to  the  hotel  de ". 

Bu.  tro.™  Home  at  8  in  bad  order.  Coucbe  1 1  and 
laid  till  9. 


1  No,  this  is  the  way  it  is:  Doprez  (probably  the  host's  name),  58  francs  II  sous,  etc. 

2  For  des  etrennes.     Literally,  New  Year's  gifts;  here  probably  meant  for  ordinary  presents 
or  tips. 

3  Le  Roy,  may  be  the  merchant's  name,  or  else  it  may  stand  for  le  Roi,  the  King.     Then 
Le  Roy  marchand  de  Modes  et  1' Emfereur.     Le  Roy  (or  the  King),  fashion   merchant  and  the 
Emperor. 

4  For  rimfrimerie  de  Faience  de  Stone  et  Comfagnie.     The  faience  printing  establishment  of 
Stone  &  Co. 

5  For  ci-devant.     Here  the  equivalent  of  nee. 

6  For  Le  Mus'ee  des  Antiquit'es.     The  Museum  of  Antiquities. 

7  Gabrielle  d'Estrees  (1571-1599)  was  a  mistress  of  Henry  IV.  of  France  and  was  famous  for 
her  beauty  and  notorious  for  her  scandalous  life  and  luxury.     She  acquired  the  titles  Marquise 
de  Monceaux  and  Duchesse  de  Beaufort. 

8  Is  it  not  strange  that  Burr  so  persists  in  using  this  misspelled  Swedish  word  for  bread  ? 

9  For  muse  10  francs.     Mauvaisc.     Muse,  10  francs.     Bad. 

10  An  undecipherable  word.     It  looks  like  potis'c  or  fatii'c. 

11  Possibly  tor  L' Hotel  des  Monnaies.      The   mint,  which   he  attempted   to  enter  a  few  days 
before,  but  was  too  late. 

12  For  J'a-vais  trof  bu.     Had  drunk  too  much. 

434 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

20.  Couche    12.      Lev.    7.      Read    an   hour   in 
Weiss.     Sor.    1 1    to   the   umbrella-mender ;    nothing 
done.      To  bottier  to   leave  pair  of  boots  to  racom.1 
To    Paschaud's.      T  till    y2    p.   2.     To    Loigerot's, 
where   found    invitation    from to  concert  to- 
morrow evening.    Think  I  shall  not  go.    To  Fonzi's  ; 
to  Madame  P.'s  at  4  and  went  with  her  to  her  sister's 
to  dine  enfam?      After  dinner  walked  with  her  along 
Boulevard    to    Port    St.   Denis3,  and    returned   chez 
elle4  at  10.      Home  very  las*.     Made  tea  to  refraich6, 
and  now,  at  yz  p.  n,  bon  soir. 

21.  Rose    6.      At    9    to  Fonzi's    and   till    n. 
Thence  to  Loigerot's.     M.  had  told  that  Gamp  had 
related  various   things   of  her   mar.,7  though    Gamp 
never  saw,  never  heard,  nor  spoke  of  him.  T  received 

invitation   of   Mr. to     concert    this    evening, 

which  declined.      To   Due   d'Alberg's.       Always  re- 
ceives me  with  civility,  and  gives  me  the  best  advice 
in  his  power.    To  Madame  Gretanius's.     Saw  her  and 
her  beautiful  daughter.     To   M'lle  H.  M.  Williams  ; 
out.     To  the  magaz?  of  Mr.  Stone  to  see  him  ;  out ; 
not  there.     Very  las.*     Home  to  rest  an  hour.     At 
y%  p.  3  to  Madame  P.'s,  where  was  engaged  to  dine  at 
5.      Mr.  La  Salle;   Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pelough.     Staid  till 
8.     Came   home  expecting   Bro.,    but  he   came   not. 


I     For  To  the  bottier  to  leave  a  pair  of  boots  to  raccommoder.     To  the  bootmaker's  to  leave  a 
pair  of  boots  to  mend. 
1     For  in  famille. 

3  TheSt. Denis  gate  was,  like  that  of  St.  Martin, erected  in  the  seventeenth  century  in  honour 
of  the  triumphs  of  Louis  XIV. 

4  To  her  house. 
$     Tired. 

6  For  four  me  rafraicbir.     To  refresh  myself. 

7  For  atari.     Husband. 

8  For  rnagasin.     Shop. 

435 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Took  tea,  contrary  to  custom  and  to  reason.  Had 
this  day  card  from  Captain  Lawson,  note  from 
Vanderlyn,  and  a  very  civil  invitation  from  H.  M. 
Williams  to  dine  on  Tuesday,  to  which  agreed. 

22.  Rose  7,  having  been  kept  awake  almost  all 
night  by  the  tea.      At   8    to  Vanderlyn's  to  breakfast. 
Off  at  10.     Your  picture  goes  on  slowly.     At  12  to 
see  Lawson.     T  ^  hour.     To  Fonzi's  to  get  my  hat, 
but  had  not  left  it  there.     To  Due  d'Alberg's  to  see 
for  my  hat ;  not  there ;  so  must  be  finally  lost,  /'.  e., 
exchanged  for   a   very   bad   one.      To    le   Comte    de 
Furstenstein's.     He  nor  his  Ki.1  not  returned  to  town, 
nor  expected  these  ten  days.    To  Dr.  Swediaur's  ;  out. 
To  Madame  P.'s  ;  out.     Home  at  3.     At  4  came  in 
Vanderlyn.     Din.  bro.  mjolk.     Sor.  5  to  change  money. 
Get  20  francs  14  sous   for  Fred,  d'or1  and   26.10  for 
English   guinea.     To   the   Theatre    Francois   to  hear 
Talma3.     Obliged  to  wait   forty  minutes  in  the  crowd, 
nearly    squeezed    to    death.     Heard    the    tragedy    of 
"  Manlius.  "   Did  not  wait  to  see  the  after-piece.     For 

the  characters,  see  the  gazette  ci  joint4.     M'lle 

is  very  unjustly  condemned.     She  had  more  of  truth, 
of  nature    and   feeling,  but  less    of  vehement  action, 
which  is  the  taste  of  the  day. 

23.  Rose  7.      At  9  came  in  Lawson  and  sat  an 
hour.     He   will   take   charge   of  all  I   can  send  you. 
Eight    louis    in    dictionaries !      I    think    you    will   be 


I     Probably  for  King. 

a     For  Friedrich  d\r.     A  former  gold  coin  of  Prussia,  worth  about  $4. 

3  Francois  Joseph  Talma  (1763-1826)   was   the  greatest  tragedian  of  his  time.     He  was  a 
favorite  with  Napoleon  and  accompanied  him  to  Erfurt  in  1808  and  to  Dresden  in  1813. 

4  For  ci-joint.     Literally,  here  joined  ;  hence,  herewith. 


43  6 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

rasas  sied\  yet  I  am  greatly  tempted  to  add  Moreri  and 
Bayle,  twelve  volumes  folio,  for  4  louis  !  At  1 1  to 
the  Prefecture  de  Police1 ',  to  demand  passport  for  Com- 
piegne. What  business  have  I  at  Compiegne  ?  Why, 
hussy,  there  is  the  Emperor,  and  the  King  of  West- 
phalia, &c.  But  they  had  nothing  to  do  with  it,  and 

said  I   must  send  a  petition  to  the  Due.  of J. 

To  Paschaud's  %  hour.  To  Loigerot's,  and  walked 
an  hour  with  Madame  and  M'lle  in  the  Thuleries4, 
where  left  them.  To  a  bookseller's,  Rue  des  Noegres5, 
and  bought  the  "Codes  Napoleon"6,  five  volumes,  and 
a  book  for  Gampy,  in  all  13  francs.  Home.  Bro.  and 
mjolk  for  din.  To  Paschaud's  at  7.  Mr.  Chabaud 
came  in.  Told  my  troubles  about  the  Compiegne 
expedition,  and  he  very  kindly  gave  his  advice  and 
offered  his  aid,  he  being  personally  acquainted  with  the 

Due  of .       Home  at  10.     Br.  came  in  and  sat 

an  hour.  Sleepy.  Bon  soir.  Had  to-day  invitation 
from  Madame  Robinson7  to  dine  on  Thursday,  which 
accepted. 

24.  Slept  till  y2  p.  7.  At  10  to  Paschaud's, 
with  whose  aid  wrote  my  petition  (a  letter)  in  French 
to  Due  d'Otrante,  and  an  English  letter  to  Chabaud, 


I     Another  hybrid  perfect  participle  made  from  the  French  verb  rassasicr,  to  satiate.     Hence, 
I  think  you  will  be  satiated, 
z     To  the  office  of  the  police  prefect. 

3  Otrante ! 

4  So  in  the  MS.     For  Tuileries. 

5  This  word  is  doubtful,  being  very  obscure  in  the  MS.     Could  it  stand  for  Rue  des  Nigrei, 
Street  of  the  Negroes? 


apu 

of  Napoleon's  career.     What  is  known  as  the  "  Code   Napoleon"  which  was  made  up  of  these 
four  parts,  at  once  took  rank  as  one  of  the  foremost  legal   productions  of  history.     Napoleon 
declared  that  it  would  outlive  his  victories. 
7    For  Robertson. 

437 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

q.  v.  Took  them  myself  to  Chabaud's,  who,  being 
out,  left  them.  Lounged  two  hours  at  P.'s,  and  then 
we  walked  by  thuleries1  and  boulevards  to  Madame 
Pelough's.  Invitation  to  the  marriage  of  Madame 
Pelough's  daughter,  on  Thursday,  to  dine,  &c.  Mal- 
heureusemenf,  am  engaged  to  Madame  Robertson,  but 
will  go  and  see  the  ceremonies.  To  Fonzi's  y2. 
Home  at  4,  and  at  5  to  M'lle  H.  M.  W.'s  to  dine. 
T  le  Baron  de  Humboldt3;  Mons.  Haase,  employee  a 
la  bib.  imp.  aux  manuscripts*;  a  French  gentleman 
not  named.  Others  came  in  after  dinner.  A  very  pleas- 
ant day.  Mr.  St.  and  M'lle  Williams  engaged  me  to 
go  to  their  country  seat  at  Montmorency  on  Sunday. 
Home  at  yz  p.  10,  and  now  at  yz  p.  12  am  about  to 
couche. 

25.  Rose  yz  p.  7.  Breakfast  and  lounged  an 
hour.  To  Paschaud's  at  u  and  till  i.  Thence  home 
and  to  Bib.  Imper.5  to  see  Haase,  who  promised  to  aid 
me  about  medals.  What  running  I  have  had  about 
that  little  rascal's6  medals.  Haase  conducted  me 
through  the  departments  of  gravures7  and  of  manu- 
scripts. Showed  me  the  most  ancient  Greek  and  Latin, 
which  are  of  the  fourth  century.  The  original  love- 
letters  of  Henry  IV.  to  various  of  his  mistresses. 
Patents,  &c.,  by  Charlemagne,  &c.  No  medals  can 

1  For  Tuileries. 

2  Unfortunately. 

3  Friedrich  Heinrich  Alexander,  Baron  Von  Humboldt  (1769-1859),  the  distinguished  German 
scientist,  one  of  the  greatest  of  the  world's  great  scholars.    At  this  time  he  had  returned  from  his 
remarkable  journey  through  the  Spanish  colonies  of  Central  and  South  America,  and  was  engaged 
in  writing  and  publishing  a  wonderful  series  of  books,  twenty-nine  in  all,  which  made  his  fame 
secure.     In  1817  he  removed  to  Berlin. 

4  Probably    for  employe    a    la    Bibliotheque    Jmferiale  aux    Manuscrits.     Employed    in    the 
Imperial  Library  for  Manuscripts. 

J     See  Note  4. 

6  Meaning  his  grandson. 

7  Engravings. 

438 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

be  had  there  but  antiques,  and  those  in  soufre1 ;  too 
fragile  and  too  dull  of  appearance  to  suit  Gampy.  I 
got,  however,  an  address  to  one  from  whom,  it  is  said, 
something  in  his  way  may  be  had.  But  my  reputation 
is  gone.  Everywhere  announced  as  a  numismatician. 
I  shift  it  all  on  you.  It  is  you,  and  not  me,  who  are 
scientific  in  medals.  Home  for  ^  hour,  and  to  the 
bath,  36  sous.  Ero.  mjolk  for  din.  To  Vanderlyn's 
to  tak.  sh.  to  lav.1 ;  thence  to  Pelough's  to  meet 
Paschaud.  They  were  all  so  busy  preparing  and 
signing  contracts,  &c.,  for  the  marriage,  which  is  to 
take  place  to-morrow,  that  I  stole  off,  for  which  I 
shall  have  a  quarrel  with  P'd3.  Home  at  8.  Went 
out  and  bought  1 5  francs  of  writing  paper.  Hungry 
and  took  four  eggs  raw.  Cocoa  with  water  made 
supper. 

26.  Lev.  7,  but  very  sleepy  and  heated,  as  if  I  had 
drank  two  bottles  vin,  though  I  had  drank  nothing 
but  water.  It  must  have  been  the  four  yolks  of  eggs. 

At  10  came  in  Mr. ,  the  commit*  of  Madame 

Paschaud,  to  see  about  packing  up  your  books.  I  was 
astonished  to  see  the  mass  when  put  together.  At  least 
four  cubic  feet.  But  alas  !  the  greater  part  worthless 
stuff,  which  has  been  imposed  on  me  in  different 
places.  We  resolved,  at  length,  to  transport  the 
whole  to  Paschaud's,  and  there  have  the  inventory  and 
the  packing.  At  1 1  to  Paschaud's  ;  there  learned  that 


\     i^for /«/«-,  to  wash.     The   sentence  may  then   mean:  To  Vanderlyn's  to  take  shirt 
to  be  washed. 

3  For  Madame  Paschaud. 

4  Clerk. 

439 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Mr.  le  Chev.1  Chabaud  had  not  made  my  application 
for  Compiegne,  learning  the  arrival  of  His  Majesty  of 
Westphalia.  Posted  off  to  see  the  Comte  de  Fursten- 
stein ;  out.  To  the  King  of  Westphalia;  out.  But 
there  was  the  Count  de  F.,  who  gave  me  rendezvous 
for  9  to-morrow  morning.  The  King  leaves  town 
this  day  !  Back  to  Paschaud's,  and  thence  with  the 
Chev.  and  Madame  P.,  in  his  voiture  aux  noces2,  i.  e., 
to  the  house  of  Madame  Pelough,  mere  de  M'lle 
Thelusson,  la  fiancees'*.  To  the  Mayor's  office,  where 
the  civil  marriage  was  performed.  Very  simple. 
Thence  to  the  pastor  of  the  Protestant  church,  Mr. 

,  a  man  of  very  prepossessing  appearance  and 

manners.  The  ceremy  re/ig.4  was  performed  in  a  most 
impressive  manner.  M'lle  is  Protestant.  Thence  left 
the  parties  and  went  home.  Was  asked  to  the  wed- 
ding dinner,  but  engaged  to  Madame  Robertson.  To 
Mrs.  Robertson's  at  ^  p-  5«  1":  M'e  Tone,  widow 
of  the  Irish  general,  an  interesting  woman ;  Mr. 

,  senateur*  and  sa  niece;  le  Baron  de , 

and  Mr.  Vanderlyn.  The  family  of  Evans  detained 
by  an  accident  to  the  father ;  a  fall  and  broken  knee  ! 
A  very  pleasant  party,  Madame  Robertson  engaged 
to  dine  on  Monday.  Off  at  yz  p.  9  and  to  Pelough's, 
where  found  the  whole  party,  about  twenty-five,  still 
at  the  dinner  table.  Very  gay.  Songs,  music,  and 
afterward  dancing.  Off  at  ^  p.  12  ;  and  now,  at  i, 

I     For  Monsieur  le   Chevalier. 

T.     In  his  carriage  (vulture)  to  the  wedding  (aux  noces).     Possibly  meant  for  in   his  wedding 
carriage. 

J     For  la  f  anc'ee.     The  affianced  lady. 

4  For  la  cirimonie  religieuse.     The  religious  ceremony. 

5  For  sinateur.     Senator. 

440 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

you    ought    to    be   much  obliged  to  me  for  writing, 
seeing  I  must  be  up  at  6. 

27.  Rose  at  ^  p.  6,  quite  refreshed.  At  9  to 
le  Comte  de  Furstenstein.  He  was  with  the  King, 
and  not  visible.  Asked  at  the  King's  for  the  chamber- 
lain du  jour.1;  not  yet  visible.  Home,  about  1^2 
miles.  On  the  way,  left  note  for  Loigerot  and  called 
at  Menutzi's ;  not  visible,  and  could  make  no 
rendezvous  to-day.  At  10  to  P.'s,  and  thence  to 
Comte  de  F.  He  was  still  with  S.  MS  Went  there. 
A  crowd  of  grandees  ;  was  nevertheless  received  by  le 
Comte  de  F.,  who  told  me  that  he  had  delivered  my 
letter  to  the  E.  and  K.5  That  all  hands  were  going  to 
Anvers4,  and  no  reply  could  be  expected  till  their 
return,  15  May.  Voila^  twenty  days  more  of  spider 
life.  Thence  to  Paschaud's  for  y2  hour  and  thence 
to  Loigerot's.  A  tale  of  distress.  Home  at  i.  At  2 
to  Pelough's  to  see  the  new  pair.  All  very  well. 
Asked  to  dine,  but  am  engaged  to  Swediaur.  On  way 
home  recon.  Mus.6  1 2  francs  but  good.  Watc.  perd.7  ; 
not  discovered  till  got  home.  Back  again  in  the 
utmost  distress.  It  was  restored  sans  fa$on  et  sans 
reward8.  Descbamsje  te  s$ai  greg.  To  Paschaud's  at 
4.  T  Picard  et  ux.,  the  new  pair.  On  to  Swediaur; 
y  Lelande.  Off  at  ^  p.  8  and  to  the  Theatre  des 


I  For  cbamtellan  du  jour.     Day  chamberlain. 

a  For  sa  Majesti.     His  Majesty. 

}  Emperor  and  King.     See  note  l,  page  432. 

4  The  French  name  of  Antwerp,  Belgium. 

5  Behold ! 

6  For  rencontre.     Muse.      Rencounter.     Muse. 

7  For  watch  perdu.     Watch  lost. 

8  Without  ceremony  and  without  reward. 

9  For  Deschamps,  je  te  saisgri.     Deschamps,  I  am  pleased  with  thee. 


44 i 


Private     J o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr. 

Varietes1  to  meet  the  family  Peloughs,  &c.;  but  the 
theatre  being  full,  no  place  ;  came  home.  Visit  to- 
day from  that  amiable  man  le  Chev.  Chabaud  L'atour2. 
M.  Arnold,  le  commis\  carried  all  my  (your)  books  to 
Paschaud's.  Shall  move  to-morrow. 

2.  Din,  cbez  Swediaur.  Broke  elec.  apparat. 
Chez  Paschaud  at  9  pour  un  moment4.  Home  to  pack 
up. 

28.  Ran  about   on  brief  errands  several  hours. 
Din.  bro.  mfl5.     At  7  to    Pelough's.     T   Paschaud. 
Reproaches  for  non  din?     Home.     Took  voit7   and 
transported  y  my  baggage  and  took  my  quarters. 

29.  I'res    conf.8  with    my    new   quarters.     Din. 
cbez    nous.     T  uncle     of     Adelle9.      The    snuff-box 
which  plays   a    tune    of  fifteen   minutes ;  soft,    sweet 
music.     Promene  la  soiree10. 

30.  Din.  chez  M'lle  Williams. 

Paris,  May  i,  1810.     Din.  cbez  M'lle  Williams. 

2.  Chez  M'e  Robinson. 

3.  Chez  nous. 

Bury,  Val."    de    Montmorency11,   May   4,1810. 


I  For  le  Theatre  des  Varietes.  To-day  this  theatre  is  called  simply  Les  Varietes.  The 
Varieties;  as  the  name  implies, a  vaudeville  theatre. 

i  For  It  Chevalier  Chabaud-Latour.  The  reference  is  to  Antoine  Georges  Francois,  Baron 
de  Chabaud-Latour  (1769-1832),  a  French  politician  and  statesman. 

3  The  clerk 

4  For  a  moment. 

5  For  diner,  brad  et  mjoli. 

6  For  non  diner,  which  is  bad  French  for  de  n' avoir  fas  dine.     Not  having  dined. 

7  For  -vniture.     Carriage. 

8  For  tres  content.     Much  pleased. 

9  For  Adele. 

10  For  Je  me  fromene  la  soiree  (p\  pendant  la  soiree  or  le  soir).      Go  walking  in  the  evening. 

11  For  vallie.     Valley. 

12  Montmorency  is   a   town   in  the   department   of  Seine-et-Oise,  about  nine  miles    north  of 
Paris.     On  account  of  its  magnificent  site  and  its  forest,  it  has  long  been  one  of  the  favorite  prom- 
enades of  Parisians.     Its  celebrity  has  come  largely  from  the  fact  that  Jean  Jacques  Rousseau,  the 
French  philosopher  and  writer,  lived  near  there   for  a  few  years.     The  Countess  d  'Epinay,  a 
great  friend  of  Rousseau,  had  there  offered  him   a   cottage   in  order   to   hinder,   if  possible,  his 
return  to  Geneva.     This  place  is  well  known  under  the  name  of  the  Hermitage. 

442 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

Arrived  at  3  en  voit  avl  M'lle  W.  and  Mr.  and 
Madame  La  Harpe.  Din.  5  Ap.  din.  prom,  seul  le 
village  de jusu  a  leforet2.  Couche  u. 

5.  Rose    6.     Prom,   seul  le   village  de  

jusqu*  a  8  h.     At  1 1  prom,  av  Mr.  S.  far  le  village  de 

4  to  the  side  of  the  mountain,  where  met  M'lle 

S.  and   Mr.   and   Madame   La   Harpe.     Ascend   the 
mountain  and  walk  till  3.     M'lle  W.  much  fatigued. 
Mr.  Froissart  arrives  this  P.  M.  and  dines. 

6.  Rain  in   the  morning.     Cold  northerly  wind 
three  days  past.      Mr.  et  Madame  La  Harpe  part}  to 
Paris.     This  is  the  neighborhood  in  which  Rousseau 
lived  and  died5.     The  trees  where  was  given  le  baiser 
fatal1;  the  house  of  Eloise  ;  the  walks  they  frequented. 
Every  spot  hereabout  is  consecrated  by  his  memory. 

I     For  en  voiture  avcc.     In  a  carriage  with. 

Z     For  afris  dine  je  me  fromenai  seul  au  village    de jusqu1  a  la  foret.     After  dinner  I 

walked  alone  to  the  village  of as  far  as  the  forest. 

3  For  Je  me  fromenai  seul  au  village  de jusqu   a  huit  ficure}.     Walked  alone  to  the 

village  of until  8  o'clock. 

4  For  At  II  je  me  fromenai  avec  Monsieur  S.  par  le  village  de.     At  II  walked  with  Mr.  S. 
through  the  village  of. 

5  For  Mr.  and  Madame  La  Harpe  fartirent,  etc.     Mr.  and  Mrs.  La  Harpe  left  for  Paris. 

6  This  statement  is  hardly  true.     Rousseau  lived  and  wrote  for  some  time  at  Montmorency, 
a  place  about  nine  miles  north  from  Paris,   but   he   died  at  Ermenonville,  a  town  further  north 
of  the  capital. 

7  Literally,  the  fatal  kiss.   The  allusion  is  to  the  novel  entitled  "  La  Nouvelle  Heloise  "    ("  The 
New  Heloise,"  for   it  will  be  remembered  that  the  celebrated   Peter  Abelard,   1079-1142,   had 
had  his  beloved  Heloise  who  fell  and  rose  again),  which  Rousseau  wrote  during  his  retirement  at 
the  Hermitage.     This  novel  is  written  in  the  form  of  letters  and  describes  the  amours  of  a  man 
of  low  position  called  Saint  Preux  and  a  girl  of  rank  named  Julie.     This  romance  is  one  of  the 
significant  works  in  the  history  of  French  literature  by  reason  of  the  immense  vogue  which  it 
had  and  the  remarkable  influence  which  it  exerted  on  feminine  Europe  in  the  eighteenth  century. 
The  first  part  of  the  romance  may  be  said  to  center  about  what  Burr  calls  the  fatal  kiss.     Saint 
Preux  and  Julie  meet  one  night  under  the  trees,  not  of  the  valley  of  Montmorency  as  Burr  inti- 
mates, but  rather  on  the  shores  of  Lake  Geneva  in  Switzerland,  and  Julie  loses  her  virtue.     But 
she  regains  it  as  had  Abelard's  beloved  Heloise  ;  hence  the  significance  of  Rousseau's  title,  "  The 
New  Heloise."     Burr's  reference  to  the  trees  and  walks  of  Montmorency  and  "  the  house  of 
Eloise  "  have,  however,  a  meaning.     While  writing  his  romance  Rousseau  had  become  greatly 
enamored  of  Madame  d'Epinay's  sister-in-law,  Madame  d'Houdetot,  a  matron  of  thirty  years, 
not  at  all  pretty.     But  Rousseau,  who  was  applying  his  sensitive  mind  to  the  analysis  of  love, 
fell  deeply  in  love  with  the  first  object  he  encountered,  namely  Madame  d'Houdetot.     He  says 
of  her:  "  I    saw  my  Julie   in    Madame  d'Houdetot,   and  soon   I   saw  no  longer   anything  but 
Madame  d'Houdetot,  but  clothed  with  all  the  perfections  with  which  I  had  just  endowed  the  idol 
of  my  heart."     Rousseau  speaks  in  his  "  Confessions  "  of  a  meeting  one   night  with  Madame 
d'Houdetot  out  under  the  magnificent  trees  of  Montmorency,  in  which  there  was  given  what  he 
calls  "  ee  baiser  funeste"  that  fatal  kiss. 


443 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Montmorency  or  rather  Bury  in  the  valle  de 
Montmorency,  May  7,  1810.  Rose  at  6.  Cold, 
chilly,  raining.  At  9  set  off  for  town.  Mons.  Frois- 
sart  en  voit.1  with  M'lle  W.  I,  from  choice,  having 
something  to  say  to  Mr.  S.,  in  chaise  with  him. 
Arrived  yz  p.  10.  After  embrass.  of  man  aim.  amie  M'e 
Pelough2,  off  to  Paschaud's.  The  diablesse1  has  gone 
to  the  country,  too  !  Pure  vengeance.  Four  times 
have  I  walked  there  (*/£  league)  to-day  and  at  9  this 
evening  she  had  not  arrived.  In  the  A.  M.  went  to 
make  peace  with  Mrs.  Robertson.  She  is  too  good 
to  harbor  malice  and  received  me  very  kindly.  Staid 
two  hours,  reading  over  papers  of  business  and  talk- 
ing of  matrimony,  on  which  head  we  have  grave  quarrels, 
for  I  am  dead  against  it.  "  What !"  says  she,  with 
temper  and  astonishment,  "would  you  advise  me  to," 
&c.  "  Madame^  soyezindep."*  &c.  Took  soup  there, 
and  parted  friends.  On  my  return,  called  on  Captain 
Lawson.  He  was  all  in  the  bustle  of  packing  up  and 
going  off  in  ^  hour.  At  8,  however,  this  evening, 
he  called  to  say  that  he  should  not  go  till  6  in  the 
morning  of  to-morrow,  and  I  am  now  actuellement* 
writing  to  my  Juno  and  Minerva.  Excusez,  Madame^. 
Called  also  on  Swediaur. 

Paris,  June  8,  1810.  Rose  6.  At  10  to  Roi 
WestT  pursuant  to  appointment  of  Comte  Fursten- 

I  For  en  voiture.     In  the  carriage. 

I  For  After  rcmbrasstmcnt  of  man  aimit  amit,  Madame  Pelough.     (Should  be  man  amie  bien 
aimee.)     After  the  embrace  of  my  beloved  friend,  Madame  Pelough. 

3  The  she-devil. 

4  For  "  Madame,  mjex  indifendante."     "  Madame,  be  independent." 

5  At  this  very  time. 

6  Excuse  [me] ,  Madame. 

7  For  Roi  de  Westfhalic.     King  of  Westphalia,  Jerome  Bonaparte. 


444 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

stein.  Waited  an  hour;  not  received.  To  Chabaud's, 
whom  saw  ^  hour.  To  Madame  Robertson's,  one 
hour.  To  Due  d'Alberg's ;  out.  Home.  At  4  to 
Madame  Paschaud's  ;  met  Josephine  with  a  note  to 
me.  Y  dined.  To  the  opera  at  7.  En  entrant  le 
•paterre  Monsr  on  vous  demanded  Was  placed  well. 
"  Les  Pretendus"1  and  "  Persee  et  Andromede  " J.  The 
scenery  in  the  latter  a  perfect  enchantment. 

9.  Rose  7.  To  Comte  de  Slubrendorf's  at  n. 
To  ma  pet.  monstre4  to  buy  les  pretendus*  for  you.  To 
the  Lyon.  An  American  had  called  but  would  not 
leave  his  name.  To  Madame  Paschaud's  ;  out.  To 
Madame  Loigerot's  ^  hour.  To  Paschaud's  again ; 
she  came  in ;  */2  hour.  To  Vanderlyn's.  Y: 
Madame  de  Castro  and  Madame  Vele  or  Vellia ; 
cbarmante*.  Dined  with  Vanderlyn.  Sor.  at  yz  p.  6 
to  the  Hotel  du  Ville6  to  see  the  preparations7;  18 
francs  for  a  place  in  the  window  for  to-morrow! 
Caused*,  &c.  To  the  Ambigu  Theatre*.  The  "  Mus- 
ico-Manie10"  et  "  Les  Highlanders"  On  entering,  a 
gentleman  bowed,  called  my  name,  and  said  he  had  seen 
me  in  Philadelphia  in  '96.  Between  the  pieces  went  to 


I      For  en  entrant  dans  le  parterre  on  me    dit,  "  Monsieur,  on    -utus  demanded     On    entering 
the  pit  some  one  said  to  me,"  Sir,  some  one  is  asking  for  you." 
Z     For  "  Les  Pritendus."     "  The  Engaged  Couple." 

3  "  Perseus  (Persee)  and  Andromeda." 

4  For  ma  petite  monstre.     My  little  feminine  monster. 

5  Charming  (woman). 

6  For  1'Hotel  de  Ville.     The  City  Hall.     This  building  has  played  a  great  part  in  the  dif- 
ferent French  revolutions,  being  the  ordinary  rallying-point   of  the  democratic  party  as  opposed 
to  the  royal  palaces,  the  Louvre  and  the  Tuileries.     The  present   edifice  was  rebuilt  after  1871, 
having  been  burned  by  the  Communists  in  that  year. 

7  The  preparations  making  for  the  parade  on  the  morrow. 

8  Probably  means  chatted,  etc.     This  hybrid  verb,  which  we  have  met  before,  is  made  from 
the  French  verb  causer,  to  chat. 

9  Probably  for  L'Ambigu-Comique.     Literally,  the   Ambiguous-Comic.     This   was  an  old 
theatre  founded  in  1767,  where  one  may  still  hear  dramas,  melodramas,  and  patriotic  pieces. 

10     La  Musicomanie  means  the  passion  for  music. 

445 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

the  Jardin  Turc1.     T  Ardefredi,  now  Madame  Robin. 
Home  at  */£  p.  10. 

1 8.  Couche    12.     Rose    7.     To    Fonzi's    at    9. 
Home  at  10.     Engaged  to  dine  with  F.     At  1 1  came 
in  Borgo  with  the  note  and  the  outline  of  projet*,  trans- 
lated   to   my   satisfaction.     He   took   them   home   to 
copy  and  was  to  send  them  to  me  at  3,  which  he  did 
not.     At  i   to  Paschaud's ;  y  two  hours.     Took  cir- 
cuit home  by  Pont  Neuf  or  Neuve5.     At  4  to  Borgo's 
away  in  la  Rue  de  Champs  Elisees4;  out.     To  Fonzi's 
at  5.     T:   A  young  handsome  Neapolitan  Baron  and 
Vanderlyn  ;  also  a  Spaniard.      Much  amused  with  the 
Baron.     To   Madame  P.'s  ;  out.     Again  at  ^  p.  10 
and  staid  an  hour  /.  a  tet5. 

19.  Rose  6.     At  9  to  Dr.  Swediaur's,  calling  on 
Madame  P.  on  the  way,  but  not  see  her.     Went  with 
the  Dr.  in  his  cabriole  to  pass  the  day  with  Mr.  La 
Harpe.     T:   Madame  Bergere  or  some  such  name  and 

her   two  daughters  ;   M'lle ,  artiste6  and  M'lle 

,  botanist  e1;    Mr. ,  brother  of  Madame 

La  Harpe.     Walked  through  his  park  and  gardens. 
Eat    fruit.     Strolled    an    hour    alone    in    the    village. 
Walked  an  hour  with  L.  H.     Din.  4.     At  y2  p.  7  to 
the  village  of  Schioux   to  see  the  dancing,  &c.,  with 


1  The  Turkish  Garden.     Probably  a  restaurant  for  theater-goers. 

2  Project,  plan. 

}     The  former  is  correct.     It  means  new  bridge.     This  is   one  of  the  great   bridges  over  the 
Seine. 

4  For    Rue  des   Champs-Elysees.     Literally,  the  street  of  the  Elysian  Fields.     It  is  ordi- 
narily called  simply  Champs-Elysees.     This  magnificent  street,  with  a  sort  of  park  on  both  sides, 
is  now  probably  the  finest  street  of  Paris,   extending  more   than    a   mile  from   the    Place  de  la 
Concorde,   formerly  Place   de   la    Revolution,   to    Napoleon's    Arch    of  Triumph   at   the    Star 
(/'£*.!/,). 

5  For  tete-a-tete.     Literally,  head  to  head. 

6  Artist. 

7  Botanist. 


446 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

which  was  much  amused.  Home  at  ]/2  p.  9,  calling 
on  Madame  P.  on  the  way,  who  was  out,  to  which  cir- 
cumstance you  may  ascribe  these  two  pages.  Nothing 
from  Borgo. 

Paris,  July  2  or  3,  1810.  To  Fonzi' s  at  9  ;  y 
two  hours.  He  gave  me  ticket  for  the  Athenee\  this 
being  the  anniversary.  Came  home  to  dress  and  found 
note  from  Madame  Paschaud  with  another  ticket  and 
inviting  me  to  accompany  her.  So  ran  to  Fonzi  and 
apologized.  Thence  away  to  Madame  Paschaud. 
She  thought  it  too  late  and  the  weather  too  hot.  We 
pouted  and  pouted.  Riz  et  lait  for  din*. 

6  or  7.  A  very  busy  day.  At  10  called  on 
Borgo  ;  out.  An  hour  with  Fonzi ;  %  with  Madame 
P.  To  Vanderlyn's ;  took  him  out  to  courir*.  To 
the  Hotel  des  Invalids4  to  pay  my  respects  to  the  Due 
de  Montobello  who  lies  there  in  state.  Lamps 
innumerable  ;  hung  with  black  ;  inscriptions,  devices. 
But  what  I  was  most  desirous  of  seeing  was  the  pro- 
cess of  getting  a  soul  out  of  purgatory.  There  was  only 
one  priest  at  work.  Thence  to  the  panorama  of  le 
bat.  de  Wagram*.  Very  beautiful,  but  not  equal  to 
that  of  Gibraltar  which  I  saw  in  London.  Thence 
to  the  Abbaye  St.  Martin  to  see  the  depot  des  arts  et 

I     for  Athene e.     Athenzum.     The  society   of  Paris  known    under  the    name  of  Afu»<  took 
that  of  Lrcie  in  1794,  and  finally  that  of  Athen'ee  des  Arts  (Athenaeum  of  the  Arts)    in  1803. 
a     Rice  and  milk  for  dinner. 

Literally  to  run  ;  here  to  gad  abroad,  to  ramble. 


4  For  L'Hotel  des  Invalides.  Literally  house  of  the  invalids.  This  is  a  military  hospital  or 
soldiers'  home  which  was  founded  by  Louis  XIV.  There  is  a  well  known  war  museum  in  con- 
nection with  it.  Here  in  the  Church  of  St.  Louis,  beneath  the  conspicuous  gilded  dome,  he  to- 


ny ashes  repo 
loved  so  much." 

5     For  la  bataille  de  Wag  ram.      The  battle  of  Wagram,  a  battle  won  by  the  French   under 
Napoleon  over  the  Austrians  in  July,  1809. 

447 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

metiers1.     Thence   home   for  yz  hour  to  smoke  segar 

and    repose.      Then    to ,    a    sort    of  gourman 

restaurateur^^  where  dined  ;  4  francs  10  sous  each. 
There  we  parted  for  an  hour,  Vanderlyn  to  see  Flor- 
entine and  I  to  M'lle  Prevost.  Found  Vanderlyn  at 
Fonzi's  and  thence  we  went  to  Tivoli'.  Les  danses ; 
les  puppet ;  les  ombres  Cbinois ;  les  tight  rope  sauts ; 
les  grimaces;  les  feu  <T  artifice*.  Home  at  1 1  and  at 
12  am  about  to  couche. 

8.  Rose  at  6.  At  10  to  the  club,  to  read 
gazettes  and  hear  the  news,  which,  I  find,  is  of  some 
consequence  to  me,  if,  indeed,  anything  be  of  any  con- 
sequence. To  Borgo's ;  out.  To  Le  Conseil  to 
Guerre1'  to  see  the  trial  of  Victor  Hughes6.  T  two 
hours.  To  Vanderlyn's  ;  out.  Home  at  4.  Dressed, 
and  out  to  dine  with  Swediaur.  The  first  time  since 
the  fracture  of  the  machine  electrique1 .  On  the  way 


1  The  Abbey  (or,  as  it  is  better  called,   le  prieure,   the  priory)   of  St.  Martin.      Here  was 
established  in  1794  an  independent   museum   called   Le    Conservatoire  des    Arts  it  Metiers,  the 
Conservatory  of  the  Arts  and  Trades.     Burr  speaks  of  the  collection  as   a  depot  (should  be 
defot),  a  deposit  or  depository. 

2  Gourman  stands  for  gourmand,  but  should  follow  the  noun.       The  phrase  means  gluttonous 
eating-house  keeper.     To  judge  by  the  price  paid  by   Burr  for  this  dinner,  4  francs  10  sous,  it 
would  seem  that  the  word  gourmand  should  refer  to  him. 

}  The  ancient  Tivoli  Garden  is  no  more,  having  been  buried  long  ago  beneath  five-story 
buildings  and  straight  streets.  A  neighboring  street,  however,  consecrates  its  memory.  There 
were  two  Tivolis.  The  first,  known  under  the  name  of  Jardin  Boutain,  was,  under  the  Direc- 
tory, the  rendezvous  of  the  younger  reactionists  called  Clichiens.  The  second  Tivoli,  occupying 
the  same  site,  became  a  celebrated  concert-garden  where  all  sorts  of  amusements  could  be  had. 
It  became  especially  well  known  under  the  Restoration. 

4  The  dances;  the  puppets;  the  Chinese  shadows ;  the  tight-rope  leapings  ;  the  grimaces; 
the  fire-works.  (The  grimaces  made  a  great  impression  on  Burr,  for  he  writes  the  word  in  the 
Journal  in  capital  letters.) 

$     For  le  conseil  de  guerre.     The  war    council. 

6  For   Victor  Hugues,  a  famous  French   soldier  (1761-1826),  who  fought  the  English  with 
great   success   in   the   West   Indies  and  was  notorious  for   his   cruelties,  becoming  known   as 
the  "  Robespierre  of  the  West  Indies."     His  corsairs  were  among  the  chief  causes  of  the  rupture 
between  the  United  States  and   France   in  1798.      Under  Bonaparte,  Hugues  was  governor  of 
Cayenne.     In  January,  1809, he  surrendered  the  colony  to  the  English,  was  accused  of  incapac- 
ity and  treason,  and  was  tried  by  court  martial  in  Paris.     The  verdict,  not   rendered  till  1814, 
was  an  acquittal. 

7  For  machine  electrique.     The    electrical    machine.     These   two  words    are    by    no    means 
badly  written  in  the  MS.,  and  yet  in  Davis's  reprint  of  the  Journal  the  word  u  limb  "   is  substi- 
tuted for  machine  electrique'.      The  reference  here  is  to  the  electrical  apparatus  which    Burr  had 
broken,  as  mentioned  in  his  Journal  under  date  of  April  27th. 


448 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

called  at  Paschaud's.  T  M.  Chabaud,  who,  to  my 
great  regret,  will  leave  town  on  Monday.  At 
Swediaur's  met  again  le  Dr.  Dirette,  or  some  name 
near  that.  He  says  he  will  make  me  to  be  heard. 
Home  at  y2  p.  8.  Madame  P.  promised  to  meet  me 
here.  She  had  been  here  but  gone. 

IOT.  Rose  6.  At  9  to  Fonzi's.  He  gave  me 
tickets  for  the  Athenee*^  whose  grand  exhibition  was 
this  day.  Home  at  ^  p.  n  ;  found  note  from 
Madame  P.  offering  ticket  and  asking  me  to  accom- 
pany. Most  certainly.  Dressed  as  fast  as  I  could 
and  off  to  Fonzi's  to  apologize  ;  thence  to  Paschaud's. 
It  was  YZ  p.  12.  Found  her  and  Lou.  dressed  and 
looking  rather  sad.  She  thought  it  too  late  and  too 
hot  to  go  and  coldly  counselled  me  to  go,  which  I 
declined.  Parted  rather  boudisly*.  Home  and  so  lost 
the  Athenee  and  disappointed  Madame  et  sa  U.4 

Hiatus  valde  deflendus* ! 

19.  Called    at    Duke    d'Alberg's.      He   had 
returned,  but   reported  not  at  home.     Left  word  that 
I  would  call  at  1 1  to-morrow. 

20.  Called  on   the   Duke   at    n.     The  porter 
said  again  that  he  was  out ;  that  he  had   reported  my 
name    and    message    but    received    no    answer.     Not 
much  like  the   look  of  this.     Considered  myself  as 
denied  and  the   last   hope  of  communication  cut  off. 
On  Monday,  9th,  called  on  Mr.  Roux  to  ask  whether 

1  It  will  be  observed  that  the  entry  under  this  date  is  substantially  the  same  as  that  under 
July  2-3.     The  Journal  was  often  carelessly  written. 

2  The  word  is  here  spelled  correctly. 

j     Burr  here  makes  an  English  adverb  from  the  French  adjective  boudeuse,  sulky, 
i     For  Madame  and  her  maid  (Jungfru  > ). 

5     Latin.     Exceedingly  lamentable  gap.     (The  reader  will  notice  that  the  Journal  skips  from 
the  loth  to  the  igth.) 

449 


Private     journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

he  would  give  me  rendezvous  to  peruse  with  me  a 
memoir el  which  I  had  been  writing.  He  asked  me  to 
breakfast  on  Wednesday  for  the  purpose.  On 
Wednesday  went,  and  we  passed  several  hours  to- 
gether. He  made  some  civil  remarks,  and  proposed 
that  I  should  write  to  the  Minister  to  ask  audience, 
which  I  declined. 

21.  Called  on    Duke   d'Alberg  at  10,  and  was 
received    as  usual.     He    apologized    for  my    several 
disappointments.     Had  heard  nothing  of  my  note  to 
Maret2.     Looked  at  my  memorial,  &c.     Went  off  to 
Argaud  to  get  it  copied.     To  Madame  P. 

22.  All   day  at  work  with   Argaud,  getting  my 
thing   nicely  copied.       Called   on    Madame  P.       On 
Roux  ;  out.     On  Madame  Robinson3 ;  out.    Vander- 
lyn  gone  to  the  country.      Dined  chez  nous  for  the  first 
time  in  a  month  ;  for,  perceiving  that  Madame  meant 
to  make  no  charge,  I  would  not  be  a  charge. 

23.  Up  at  5.     At  8   to  Argaud's.     The  thing 
was  done.     Sent  messenger  with  a  note  to  the  Due  to 
advise   him,   and    that   I    would   call    at    10.     At    10 
called.     We   went    over   the    thing.      He    approved. 
Wrote  note  to  Maret  and  I  took   the  packet  and  left 
it.      Voilafini,*    S.  MS  will  probably  read  it   this  day. 

To     Madame     Paschaud's,    where    met ,    an 

Italian   musician  ;    M'e ,  and ,  a  young 

Genevois6.     Much  talk.     The  former  is  to  ciserone1  me 

1  For  mimoire.     Memorial. 

2  Hugo  Bernard  Maret,  Due  de  Bassano   (1763-1839),  was  a  French  statesman  and  diplomat. 

3  Robertson  ; 

4  For  Le  voila  fini.     There,  it  is  finished. 

5  For  Sa  Majeste.     His  Majesty. 

6  For  Genevois. 

7  For  cicerone.     To  guide.     The  word  has  been  introduced  into  English. 

45° 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

to  see  strange  things.  Evening  walked  with  Madame 
P.  to  Luxembourg1 ;  thence  to  Vanderlyn's,  who  had 
not  returned. 

Tuesday,  25th  it  must  be.  Rose  6.  M'lle 
Catherine  came  in  and  took  breakfast  with  me.  (No, 
that  was  yesterday.)  Sor.  at  10  (but  just  before  Van- 
derlyn  came  in)  to  Terrien  La  Riviere's,  where  y2 
hour.  To  Mr.  N.'s  y%  hour.  Home,  and  at  4  to 
Vanderlyn's  to  dinner.  Home.  To  Fonzi's.  Home. 
Paid  commiss  e1  for  three  trips,  2  francs  5  sous. 

25.  (I  have  looked  at  the  almanac;  it  is  25 
July.)  Couche  12.  Rose  7.  Settled  with  Jeanette 
for  i  mo.  and  paid  her  1 8  francs.  Omitted :  On  my 
return  home  on  Saturday  last  about  2  P.  M.  found 

note  from saying  that  une  personne*  to  whom  I 

was  unknown  wished  much  to  see  me,  and  gave  me 
rendezvous  au  Tbuleries4  on  Monday.  Doubting  a 
little,  hating  mystery,  and  desiring  to  know  at  least  the 
sex  of  the  personne,  wrote  to  have  further  renseign- 
mentss,  which  got,  and  on  Monday  went  to  the  place 
and  actually  met  une  tres  aimable  personne.  Au  soir  la 
meme  made  me  visit  cbez  moi6  and  on  Tuesday  returned 
it  cbez  elle1. 

25  continued.     At  n  came  in  Vanderlyn.    Went 


came  in  i7Q?  iuc  i^nti-iv/inM.  *  <*K*»-^>  *M*~..  *..  -,•/•/ --  .  • 

when  Napoleon  went  to  live  in  the  Tuileries,  in   February,  1800.     Afterwards   it  was   occupied 
by  the  Senate,  by  the  Chamber  of  Peers   and  again  by    the    Senate,  under  the   second  Empire. 
Since  then  it  has  been  used  by  the  Prefecture  of  the  Seine,  and  again  by  the  Senate. 
Z     For  commissionnaire.     Porter. 

4  fo"auxTuileries.     At  the  Tuileries.     Burr  has  a  hard  time  with  this  word. 

<  For  renseipntments.     Information. 

6  Met  a  very  amiable  person.     In  the  evening  the  same  made  me  a  visit  at  my  home,  etc. 

7  At  her  home. 

45 1 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

together  to  Fonzi's.  Thence  to  Abel,  m  d  de  Bas1, 
where  we  parted.  Came  home  and  thence  to  the  read- 
ing room  where  I  am  abonried*  for  6  francs  per  month. 
To  Vanderlyn's  to  dine.  Strolled  with  him  through 
the  Luxembourg3.  Parted.  To  Madame  Paschaud's. 
Home  at  8.  Did  nothing  till  n.  Spent  5  livres4  in 
nothings.  If  it  had  been  nothings  for  you  or  Gam5, 
it  would  have  been  something. 

26.  The  saint,  my  neighbor,  waked  me  punc- 
tually at  6,  as  I  had  requested.  To  the  bath,  which, 
at  the  cheapest  rate,  costs  40  sous.  Having  some 
very  long  courses**  in  view,  took  cabriolet.  To  M.  le 
Montey,  near  the  invalids7.  There  wrote  note  to  the 
Mm.  de  la  pol.  general*,  asking  audience.  M.  le 
Montey  took  charge  of  the  note.  To  the  Min.  d'Ex- 
ferieur9  to  see  Roux ;  not  there.  To  M.  Roux's ; 
out.  To  Pelasges  prison10  where  saw  J.  Swan  ;  Mr. 

Lane,  of  New  York,  and   Mr.   Browne,   of . 

Lane  has  been  there  three  years.  My  cabriolet  man 
set  me  down  at  the  Pont  Neuf.  Paid  him  5  livres  for 
three  hours  he  had  been  in  my  employ,  and  he  was 

1  For  marchand  de  has.     Stocking  merchant. 

2  A  hybrid  verb  from  the  French  verb  abonner,  to  subscribe.     Here  it  means,  where    I  have 
a  subscriber's  ticket. 

3  The  Luxembourg  Garden. 

4  A  livre  is  equivalent  to  a  franc. 

5  For  Gampy. 

6  Jaunts. 

7  For  Les  Invalides,  the  soldiers'  home  heretofore  described. 

8  For  Ministre  de  la  police  generate.     Minister  of  the  general  police. 

9  Probably  for  Ministere  de  V  Kxt'erieur.    The  Ministry  of  Foreign  Affairs  of  France  had  until 
1790  the  title    la  Ministere  des  Affaires  Etrangires,  the  Ministry   of   Foreign  Affairs.     In  that 
year  a  change  was  made  to  the   more  convenient  title,  la   Ministere  des   Relations  Exterieures, 
the  Ministry  of  External  Relations.     In    1794  this   latter   title   was  abolished,  but   in    1814   the 
department  got  back  its  ancient  name  which  it  had  held  down  to  1790. 

10  This  was  the  prison  known  as  Sainte-Pe"lagie.  It  was  founded  about  1665  as  a  convent. 
In  1791  it  was  converted  into  a  prison  for  both  sexes.  From  1797  to  1834  it  was  more  especially 
devoted  to  prisoners  for  debt,  and,  under  the  first  Napoleon,  to  political  prisoners.  Here 
Bonaparte  incarcerated  such  persons  as  displeased  him,  as  not  being  in  sympathy  with  his 
projects.  It  is  said  that  at  one  period  the  Emperor  threw  into  this  prison,  within  the  space  of 
a  few  days,  500  persons  whom  he  regarded  as  dangerous. 

452 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

content.  To  Madame  Paschaud's.  To  Fonzi's, 
where  met  Vanderlyn.  I  shall  never  get  done  with 
Fonzi.  The  morning  was  warm  and  it  is  now  raining. 
Din.  chez  moi.  Bro.  mjlk\  Mem.:  To  tell  you  of  the 
Pantheon2;  Notre  Dame ;  1'Abbaye  St.  Martin,  where 
is  the  depot  des  Arts  et  des  Inventions  Mechan.1-,  Tivoli 

Jardin4;  1' Hermitage5;  College  de 6. 

27.  Rose  7.  Am  trying  to  get  rid  of  the  use 
of  sugar  and  coffee  gradually.  Sor.  y2  p.  9  to  Roux, 
whom  found ;  but  no  news.  Cold  civility.  To  Due 
d'Alberg.  He  has  left  town  for  three  weeks.  Forgot : 
On  Thursday  called  on  M'r  Le  Montey,  the  Prefet, 
to  ask  him  to  introduce  me  to  the  new  Minister  of 
Police7.  He  had  offered  to  introduce  to  the  former 
(Fauchet)8,  but  got  it  through  another  channel.  He 
declined,  but  offered  to  present  a  note  if  I  would  write 
one,  asking  audience,  which  is  the  mode9.  Wrote  note 
and  left  it  with  Le  Montey  to  present.  Shall  never 

I     For  trod  och  mjolk.     Bread  and  milk. 

2,  The  Pantheon  ( Le  Pantheon)  is  another  building  with  a  varied  history.  It  was  constructed 
between  1764  and  1790  as  a  church  and  dedicated  to  Ste.  Genevieve,  patron  saint  of  Paris.  In 
1791  the  Constituent  Assembly  converted  it  into  a  temple  called  Pantheon,  which  was  destined 
for  the  burial  of  great  men,  as  is  indicated  by  the  inscription  upon  its  facade:  "  Aux  grands 
hommcs  la  fatrie  reconnaissante,"  "  The  grateful  fatherland  to  the  great  men."  It  was  given 
back  to  worship  in  1806,  transformed  anew  into  a  temple  at  the  revolution  of  1830,  and  again  into 
a  church  in  1851,  and  since  1885  has  been  devoted  to  its  early  purpose  of  containing  the  tombs 
of  great  men.  Victor  Hugo's  remains  lie  here. 

J  For  Depot  des  Arts  et  des  Inventions  Mechanijues.  Depository  or  Museum  of  Arts  and 
Mechanical  Inventions.  This  was  mentioned  a  few  pages  back  as  the  Conservatory  of  Arts  and 
Trades. 

4  See  page  448,  note  3. 

5  For  I"  Ermitage.     In  English  it  is  known  as  the  Hermitage.     It  was  the  name  of  Rousseau's 
cottage  near  Montmorency.     See  page  442,  note  iz. 

6  Probably  the  reference  is  to  the  institution  now  known  as  le  College  de  France.     This  was 
founded   about    1530   by  Francis    I.    and  soon  became   known  as   le    College  des  Trots  Langues, 
College  of  the  Three  Languages  (Greek,  Latin,  Hebrew).     Under  Louis  XIII.   and  for  some 
years  thereafter  it  had  the  name  of  le  College  Royal.     In  the  time  of  the  Revolution  its  name  was 
changed  to  le  College  National,  which  Napoleon  again  altered  (in  the  year  XIII.,  about  1806)  to  le 
College  Imperial.     This  was  its  name  at  the  time  of  Burr's  visit.     Later,  under  the  Restoration, 
it  was  changed  back  to  le  College  Rojal,  and  finally  to  le  College  de  France,  which  name  it  bears 
to-day. 

7  Anne  Jean  Marie  Rene  Savary,  Due  de  Rovigo.     See  note  further  on. 

8  Joseph  Fouche,  Due  d'Otrante. 

9  Fashion. 

453 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

hear  more  of  it.  From  d'Alberg's  to  Fonzi's. 
Thence  home  to  repose,  smoke  segar.  At  i  sor.  to 
the  reading-room.  To  Madame  Pas.  Met  her  going 
out.  Gave  me  letter  from  Chabaud,  in  reply  to  one  I 
wrote  him  a  week  ago.  He  has  gone  home  ;  (Nis- 
mes).  Ten  days  ago  wrote  also  to  Liming.  To  Dr. 
Swediaur's,  who  asked  me  to  dine,  but  was  engaged 
with  Vanderlyn.  To  Mrs.  Robertson's,  who  also 
asked  me  to  dine.  To  Naner  ;  out.  Left  note  which 
I  had  written  in  case  of  not  rinding  him.  To  Vander- 
lyn's  to  dine.  After  dinner  together  to  Rue  Hyacinthe1 
to  see  M'lle ;  out.  To  St.  Martin's  to  get  my  razor. 
To  le  coiffeur' V.  To  Fonzi's ;  out.  Home  with 
Vanderlyn.  Made  ourselves  a  dish  of  coffee  and  at 
10  he  went  off.  Now,  Madame,  shall  tell  you  a 
secret.  Despairing  of  any  success  in  my  project,  a  few 
days  ago  asked  passport  to  go  to  the  United  States, 
which  was  refused.  Asked  one  to  go  to  Rouen,  to  see 
M'e  Langworthy,  which  was  granted,  to  "  circuler  •pour 
un  an  /"*  which  was  more  than  I  asked  or  wanted. 
Was  told  that  I  could  not  have  a  passport  to  go  out 
of  the  empire.  Me  voila  prisonier  d'etat  et  presque  sans 
sous!4  My  different  walks  to-day  amount  to  fourteen 
miles,  and  all  for  nothing.  This  evening  received  a 
note  from  Swan,  enclosing  will  for  my  advice. 

28.     This  being  the  saint's  day  (one  of  them,  for 
there  is  a  saint  for  every  name)  of  my  friend  Madame 


I     Hyacinth  street. 

z     A  coiffeur  is  a  hairdresser. 

3  To  circulate  for  a  year. 

4  For  Me  voila  frisonnier  d'etat  et  presque  sans  un  sou.     Here   I   am   a   state's  prisoner  and 
almost  without  a  cent. 

454 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

Paschaud,  went  to  dine  with  her.     There  were  both 

families.     The  young  Genevois,  the  mus.1  Mr. , 

and  two  vacant  places ;  guests  bidden,  but  came  not. 
We  arranged  a  party  for  Versailles,  which,  however,  I 
thought  mere  talk.  Home  at  9.  At  ^  p.  10  a  spe- 
cial messenger  from  Vanderlyn  proposing  to  visit  St. 
Germain's  mardi  le  9*,  to  which  agreed. 

29.  Rose    6.     Another   proposition    to   go    to 
Versailles.     Went    to    P.'s ;  made    a    bad    apology. 
Abandoned  her  party  and  went  with  Vanderlyn  to  St. 
Germain's3.     Visited  the  Marli  works4.     Walked  also 
to  a  village,  formerly  a  strong  town  as  defence  against 
the  Normans,  one   league  below  St.  Germain's.     The 
rain  detained  us  all  night. 

30.  We   staid   to   dine,   and   then  took  pot  de 
chambre*  back.     This  vile  name  is  given  to  a  one-horse 
chair,  with  two  rows  of  seats,  holding  four  or  six  pas- 
sengers inside  and  one  or  two  outside.     We  were  nine 
in  that  in  which  I  returned.     You  pay  about  40  sous 
for  that  distance  (six  leagues),  but  there  is  no  fixed 
price  for  anything  in  Paris.     You  are  not  always  safe  in 
offering  half  the  asked  price.     Those  on  board  paid 
different  prices,  from  20  up  to  50  sous.     The  forest 
and  the  terras6  are  the  objects  of  curiosity  at  St.  Ger- 

i     For  musician. 
^     Tuesday  the  gth. 

3  Saint-Germain-en-Laye  is  meant.     This  a  town  about  seven  miles  north  of  Versailles  and 
ten  miles  west-northwest  of  Paris.    There  was  there  a  magnificent  chateau  founded  by  Charles  V . 

4  About  five  miles  north  of  Versailles  is  a  hamlet  called  Marly-La-Machine.     Here  was  estab- 
lished in  1676  the  celebrated  hydraulic  machine  known  as  the  Marly  machine  which,  for  many 
years,  furnished  Versailles  with  water.     Rennequin  Sualem,  a  simple  mechanic,  was  the  origina- 
tor of  it.     His  primitive  apparatus  was  defective  and  was  replaced  by  a  more  pretentious  one  in 
1804.     This,  which  was  built  by   the   engineer  Brunet,  was   also   defective.     In  1859   Dufrayer 
constructed  there  a  masterpiece  of  hydraulic  pumping  which  is  still  in  use. 

5  Chamber-pot. 

6  For  La  Terrasse.     The  Terrace.     This  is  a  celebrated  promenade  more  than  a  mile  and  a 
half  in  length  on  the  edge  of  the  magnificent  forest  of  8,000  acres  and  high  above  the  Seine.     It 
commands  a  superb  view  of  the  sinuous  banks  of  the  river  and  of  the  animated  plain  which  its 
waters  bathe. 

455 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

main's.  On  alighting  at  the  Thullieres1,  posted  over 
to  ma  belle  ami*,  about  one  mile.  Gods,  how  cold, 
chilling !  Not  having  said  that  I  would  be  out  all 
night,  there  was  much  inquiry  and  alarm.  Finally  it 
was  discovered  that  I  had  been  assassinated,  and  the 
maid  had  got  all  the  particulars.  La  Sainte*  was  at 
work  to  get  my  soul  out  of  purgatory,  which  she  feared 
would  be  a  long  and  hard  job.  But  what  devil  can 
have  got  into  Madame  P.'s  head  ?  Called  at  Fonzi's 
on  my  way  from  P.'s.  His  warmth  and  kindness 
recovered  me  a  little  from  the  shock  of  P.'s  froideur*. 
31.  Insomnia,  but  got  up  at  */%  p.  6.  Did  noth- 
ing till  10,  and  then,  did  nothing  till  12.  To  Stone's  ; 
out,  and  said  to  be  at  the  manufactory ;  went  thither 
and  out  again.  Home.  Then  to  Deschams5;  fortun- 
ately out.  To  Prevost,  more  luck  ;  out  and  all  locked 
up.  Ran  great  risks  on  my  way  home,  but  got  home 
safe.  Bought  ^  doz.  wine,  a  little  white  Burgundy 
which  pleases  me  much  ;  1 5  sous  the  bottle.  Bought 
casa6,  20  sous.  Home  at  3.  Two  eggs  for  din.  I 
have  been  trying,  for  some  time  past,  to  get  rid,  grad- 
uallyr,  of  the  enormous  quantity  of  sugar  which  I  use 
(5  francs  per  pound  !) ;  finding  I  made  no  progress, 
have  given  it  up  altogether,  and  this  morning  took  tea, 
sans  sucre7.  Doing  unpleasant  things  gradually  is  very 
great  folly  ;  a  protracted  torment. 

j     Burr  has  tried  hard  this  time  to  improve  the  spelling   of  this  name,  with  what  success  the 
reader  can  judge. 

Z     For  ma  belle  amie.     My  beautiful  lady  friend. 

3  The  woman  saint.     This  name  Burr  gives  to  one  of  the  maids  on  account  of  her  seeming 
piety. 

4  Coldness. 

5  For  Deschamps,  the  name  of  one  of  Burr's  many  female  acquaintances. 

6  For  German  Ktise,  cheese  i 

7  Without  sugar. 

456 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Paris,  August  2,  1810.  At  n  a  cruising;  Virg. 
and  I'allemag.1 ;  out.  Tant  mieux*.  To  Fonzi's.  To 
the  changeurs* ;  changed  3  guineas;  they  give  26:10, 
but  cheat  you  out  ot  5  or  6  sous  in  the  weight.  To 
Deschamp's ;  8  livres.  Staid  an  hour.  To  Swe- 
diaur's,  where  met  Madame  P.,  being  the  first  time  I 
have  seen  her  since  my  miraculous  reception  on  Mon- 
day. We  were  very  civil  but  no  more.  She  went  off 
with  her  friend  and  I  to  Crede's.  Thence  to  Vander- 
lyn's  to  dine.  He  was  with  his  model,  who  is  spoiled 
for  that  business,  being  enseignte*.  After  dinner  to 
Quai  Pelletier5  to  get  razors  set ;  paid  3  livres  for 
strop  and  parts.  Thence  to  Rue  Dare  au  marois6  to 
find  Howseal,  a  German  interpreter,  whom  found  and 
left  for  translation  my  letter  to  Cousin  Jean  Gotleib7. 
Then  home,  tired.  Note  :  Left  with  Crede  to  put  in 
post-office  my  letters  to  Menard,  to  Liming,  to 
Menzzer,  and  a  note  to  Swan. 

From  2  to  10.  On  Friday  the  3d  wrote  Mr.  E. 
Gris.8  About  same  time  to  Liming,  duplicate  enclosed 
to  Menzzer ;  wrote  also  to  our  cousin  John  Gotlieb, 

and  to  Mr. (I'll  think  of  his  name  presently), 

of  Hamburg.  On  Saturday,  4th,  passed  the  day  at 
the  Pelasgie9  prison,  aiding  Mr.  Swan  to  make  his 

1  Probably  for  Virginie  and   r  Allemagne  or  V  Allcmande.   Virginia  and  Germany,  or  the 
German  girl,  two  more  of  his  chance  acquaintances. 

2  So  much  the  better. 

3  To  the  money-changer's. 

4  For  enceinte.     Pregnant. 

?     This  quay  has  now  been  absorbed  by  the  Quai  de  Gevres.  _ 

6  Le  Marais  has  long  been  the  name  of  one  of  the  quarters  of  Eastern  Pans.     It  was  built  in 
the  reizn  of  Louis  XIII.     The  numerous  kitchen-gardens  (maraichtrs)  there  in  those  days  gave 
it  the  name  which  it  still  bears.     Marais  means  marsh,  or  kitchen-garden  ground.     Au  marats 
means  in  the  Marais  quarter. 

7  For  Gottlieb. 

8  For  Mr.  Edward  Griswold. 

9  The  prison  called  Saint-Pelagie.     See  page  451,  note  10. 

457 


Private     journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

will.  On  Sunday  to  Versailles,  with  Fonzi,  Vander- 
lyn,  and  Hernandez.  Called  five  leagues.  Hired  a 
coach  for  14  livres  to  take  us  there  and  back.  This 
and  dinner  made  our  expenses  6  francs  10  sous  each. 
T  Madame  Fonzi.  The  gardens  at  Versailles  are  in 
a  style  of  magnificence  surpassing  anything  I  have 
seen.  Returned  the  same  evening.  Went,  forgot 
what  evening,  to  see  Mr.  Pierre's  Theatre  Mechanique 
et  Picturesque1  and  was  much  amused.  He  exhibits, 
like  a  scene  in  a  theatre,  a  town,  castle,  or  remarkable 
place,  painted  in  the  manner  of  panorama  ;  but  you 
see  carriages  of  all  sorts,  horses,  men,  women,  children, 
dogs,  cattle,  all  in  motion  like  real  life.  Boats  rowing 
and  sailing.  Sportsmen  shoot  ducks,  and  their  dogs 
jump  out  of  the  boat,  swim  to  the  killed  duck,  and 
bring  him  on  board.  How  Gampy  would  laugh  and 
stare  !  Another  evening  to  the  cosmorama,  which  is 
pictures  (seen  through  camera  obscura)  of  various 
antiquities.  Balbec,  the  Coliseum  of  Rome,  and  one 
other,  were  pretty  well  executed.  The  rest  execrable. 
On  Monday,  the  6th,  called  on  Mr.  Stone  at  his 
manufactory.  He  asked  me  to  dine  that  day,  which 
declined  ;  for  Wednesday,  to  which,  after  some  remon- 
strance, agreed.  T:  Miss  Williams  and  le  bon  Mar- 
ron z,  pres't  du  consistoire 3,  who  was  extremely  civil. 
He  engaged  me  to  go  with  him  the  next  day  to  hear 

the    tryal4    of  ,  which   excites   much   interest. 

Cards;    lost   30   sous.      Home  at    n.      Found  note 


I  Mechanical  and  Picturesque  Theatre. 

i  The  good  Marron. 

3  President  of  the  Protestant  clergy  of  Paris.     (President.} 

4  So  in  the  MS. 


458 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

from  Vanderlyn,  who  had  been  waiting  for  me  an  hour 
and  gone  off.  On  Thursday,  the  9th  August,  with 
M.  Marron  to  the  court.  Heard  two  lawyers.  Was 
well  pleased,  much  gratified,  but  cannot  detail. 
Breakfast  this  morning,  9th,  at  7.  To  Vanderlyn's. 
Thence  to  Crede's  ;  thence  to  Marron's,  a  tour  of 
about  two  leagues.  At  the  court  met  General  Walter- 
shoff.  Note  this  day  from  Mrs.  Robertson  to  dine, 
which  declined.  Another  note  in  the  evening  to  dine 
on  Saturday  or  Monday.  Engaged  for  Monday. 
Dined  Thursday  chez  moi ;  Friday  with  Vanderlyn ; 
Saturday  1 1,  cbez  moi.  But  the  most  important  event 
of  this  month  is  the  Hegira1  of  Madame  Paschaud, 
who  has  actually  gone  to  join  her  husband  at  Geneva. 
We  had  been  boudeing1,  as  you  know,  ever  since  my 
return  from  St.  Germain.  On  Tuesday  last,  the  yth, 
received  message  to  dine  with  her  that  day,  as  she 
should  leave  town  next  morning.  Dined  there,  but 
was  grave,  silent,  appetiteless,  and  without  affectation. 
Some  engagement,  forget  what,  called  me  away  early ; 
but  at  10  returned.  She  was  out.  Went  at  6  next 
morning.  She  had  gone  to  the  bath.  Followed  y 
and  waited  till  she  came  out.  Walked  a  few  minutes 
in  the  garden,  and  had  explanations,  which  were  on 
both  sides  declared  satisfactory,  and  we  kissed  and 
made  friends ;  but  we  are  not  such  friends  as  we  were 
two  months  ago.  Went  with  her  to  the  diligence 


1  This  unusual  English  word  may  need  an   explanation.      The  Hegira,  or  Hejira,  is  the  era 
which  forms  the  starting  point  of  the  Mohammedan  calendar,  July  15,  622,  commemorative  of 
the  flight  of  Mohammed  from  Mecca  to  Medina.     Burr  uses  it  as  synonymous  with  flight. 

2  A  hybrid  present  participle  from  the  French  verb  bouder,to  sulk. 

459 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

office  and  saw  her  off.    Adieu,  ma  belle  amie.    Vraiment, 
son  absence ',  mattriste1. 

Friday  morning,  loth  August,  called  on  M. 
Marron  to  get  the  address  of  Valkenaer ;  out.  To 
Baron  d'Alberg's ;  not  returned.  It  was  yesterday, 
Friday,  I  dined  with  Vanderlyn.  He  came  home  with 
me  and  sat  till  10. 

ii.  Rose  6.  At  10  to  Marron's  to  get  the  ad- 
dress of  Valkenaer  to  whom  had  letter  from  Strick, 
but  supposed  him  (V.)  to  be  at  Amsterdam.  V.  is  a 
brave,  franc,  intelligent  batave*.  Sat  an  hour,  and  we 
were  apparently  equally  amused.  To  Stone's  manu- 
factory to  get  Humboldt's  work,  of  which  he  promised 
me  the  loan  ;  out.  Vanderlyn  breakfasted  with  me 
this  morning.  (On  Thursday  Ternen  came  in  and 
sat  y2  hour.)  From  Valkenaer's  to  Mons.  Le  Mon- 
tey's  to  see  what  been  done  about  my  note  to  the 
Duke,  Minister  of  Police.  It  had  been  delivered,  but 
no  answer.  Thence  on  my  way  to  Madame  Robert- 
son's a  renc}  Went  into  a  traiteur's4 ;  breakfast, 
though  2  P.  M.  Mttse,  &c.;  10  francs ! !  (How 
many  good  resolutions  have  been  made  since  3  to-day.) 
To  Madame  Robertson's  ;  out.  To  Mr.  Roux.  He 
advises  me  to  write  to  the  Due  de  Cadore  about  the 
refusal  of  the  passport,  which  I  shall  do.  Home  at  3. 
Having  bought  coffee  by  the  way,  took  coffee  for  din. 
Find  coffee  good  after  muse.  At  6  to  Crede's  ;  out. 
Wrote  him  note  on  my  return  home.  Home  at  7. 

1  Good-by,  my  handsome  friend.     Truly,  her  absence  makes  me  sad. 

2  A  worthy,  frank,  intelligent  Batavian,  <".  e.,  citizen  of  the  Batavian  Republic.     See  page 
462,  note  j. 

J      For  rencontre. 

4     Eating-house  keeper's. 

460 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Tea  and  bro.,  w  tt-soc  &  mjlk1.  Letter  from  Swan 
enclosing  his  will  for  further  amendments.  Mem.  of 
Notre  Dame,  Pantheon,  the  horse  and  gig  in  the 
China  shop.  Bon  soir  a  minerve2.  Dampier's  "  Voy- 
age "  or  "  Travels  "  ;  pray  read  it.  I  like  much  his 
manner. 

12.  At  9  to  Fonzi's  where  dined  and  staid  till  8. 
Then   away  to   Crede's ;  no   one   at   home,   but    met 
young  Crede  in  the  street  coming  home.     At  Fonzi's 
was  a  gar  con1  who  imitated  dogs,  cats,  &c.,  and  played 
very  prettily  on  a  little  flute  flageolet  about  six  inches 
long.     He  says  the  beautiful  women  of  France  are  on 
the  Rhone  from  Lyons  down,  particularly  at  Avignon, 
Valence,  and  Vien,  and  the   Cote  Roti4  ,  famous  also 
for  the  wine  bearing  that  name.     Home  at  9.     Tro. 
man.     Rbe.  rads;  and  coffee,  wtt  soc.6 

13.  Rose  7  in  bad  order.     At  n  to  Abel's  ;  12 

to  Fonzi's  ;  he  not  being  ready,  to ,  with  whom 

left  my  mem.  for  perusal.     Anecdotes   of  L.  and  N. 
To  j  pet.  Aug.1  to  see  Madame   Pel.   and  to  settle 
accounts  ;  could  not  settle,  but  paid  30  francs  for  one 
month's  room  rent.     To  Fonzi's  again   and  there  till 
4  ;  not  yet  done.     Thence  home  and  dressed  for  din- 
ner.      To     Madame     Robertson's.      T   Sidney    and 
Madame  Menetza8.   Md.  Lewins  est'd  bon  et  d*  esprit9. 


I     For  brod.  sockervatten,  och  mjolt.     Bread,  sugar-water,  and  milk, 
z     Good  evening  to  Minerva.     He  means  his  daughter  Theodosia. 

4     For  £atTR3de°Ttiw  name  of  a  well-known  vineyard  on  the  banks  of  the  Rhone,  producing 
a  wine^of  t^e  same  name.         ^^  (^  mange.     Radix   Rhei.     Had  eaten   too   much.      Took 

rhubarb. 

6  For  sockervatten.     Swedish  for  sugar-water. 

7  For  3  Rue  Petit-Augustin.     Number  3  Little  Augustine  street. 

8  For  Menutzi.  .      ... 

9  Probably  for  esteemed  Aon  et  d'esfrit.     Esteemed  good  and  intelligent. 

461 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Home  at  10.  Note  :  It  is  an  hour's  walk  from  my 
quarters  to  Madame  Robertson's,  being  about  one 
league. 

15.  To  Valkenaer's  to  breakfast.  T  a  very 
interesting  Hollandois l  just  arrived  from  Amsterdam. 
His  name  did  not  learn.  Also  a  sensible  brave  horn*, 
also  Holland's1,  formerly  minister  of  the  Bat'e  rep.3  to 

.     The  latter  came  to  meet  me  and  to  talk,  but 

was  obliged  to  disappoint  them,  having  made  an 
engagement.  The  breakfast  was  Holland,  that  is, 
American,  tea,  bread,  butter,  slices  of  ham.  Off  at  1 1 
and  to  St.  Pelasgie4.  T  an  hour  in  correcting  Swan's 

will.     To  Vanderlyn's  ;  out.     To to  meet  Mr. 

Lane,  who  has  got  out  of  prison,  and  expressed  a 
great  desire  to  see  me.  He  did  not  come.  At  4  to 
Fonzi's.  Took  a  stroll  through  the  Thuleries5  to  see 
what  was  doing,  this  being  the  Emperor's^'o^r  defete6 
or  saint's  day.  The  morning  was  ushered  in  by  can- 
non. Many  people  in  the  gardens  ;  few  fashionables. 
Home  at  6.  Two  eggs  and  bro.  for  din.  At  7  came 
in  Vanderlyn,  and  we  went  again  to  the  Thull's5  to  see 
the  illuminations.  Rather  faint.  The  musicians 
in  the  orchestra  played  several  pieces.  The  Emperor 
appeared,  as  was  said,  in  the  balcony,  but  that  not 
being  lighted,  we  could  not  distinguish  him  ;  but  there 
were  vive  r empereurs1 .  Home  at  n.  Called  this 
morning  on  d'Alberg  ;  not  yet  returned. 

I  For  Hollandais.     Hollander, 

i  For  brave  homme.     Worthy  fellow. 

}  The  Batavian    Republic.     This  was  the  name  which  the    Netherlands  assumed   when  a 
republic  from  1795  to  1806. 

4  The  Sainte-Pelagie  prison,  heretofore  mentioned. 

J  For  Tuileries. 

6  Literally  feast-day. 

7  Vive  1'  Empertur  means  Long  live  the  Emperor. 

462 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

1 6.  At  ii    to   the   Louvre   to  meet  Vanderlyn 
and  to  gaze.     At  ^  p.  12  to  le  bureau  du  secretariat 
de  la  -police  general*  to  meet  there  Mons.  Le  Montey, 
who  was  to  introduce  me  to  Mr.  Saugnier,  le  secretaire*. 
Met  him,  and  was  introduced,  and  urged  my  demand 
for  passport  to  go  to  the  United  States.     He  advised 
me  to  write  to  the  Minister,  and  offered  to  hand  him 
the  letter,  which  I  will  do,  but  have  little  hopes.  This 
morning  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  G.3  in  reply  to  one 
I  wrote  about  ten  days  ago  about  money,  which  I  had 
good  reason  to  believe  he  would  lend  me,  and  which 
I    begin   to   want.     He  cannot !       This,  Madame,  is 
rather   grave.       Winter    approaches,  no    prospect    of 
leave  to  quit  the  empire,  and  still  less  of  any  means  of 
living  in  it.     So  must  economize  most  rigidly  my  few 
remaining  louis.     Met  Mr.  Lane  at  Paschaud's  to-day. 
Thence  to  Fonzi's.     Home  at  3.      Eggs  and  bro.    At 
8  came  in  Vanderlyn  and  sat  an  hour.     Am  reading 
Robin's     "  Travels    in    Florida,    Louisiana,    and   the 
Mississippi."     We  have  had  about  a  fortnight  of  raw, 
chilling,  uncomfortable  weather  ;   raining  almost  daily. 
I  should  be  glad  of  a  good  fire,  but  see  none. 

17.  Called    again  at  d'Alberg's  ;  not  returned. 
To    Fonzi's.      To    Terrien    de    Riviere;    out.      To 
Crede's  ;  out.      To  Vanderlyn's  to  dine.      T  model, 
with  whom   ^  hour.     After  dinner,  home.     Finished 
reading    Robin's     "Travels,"     being    three    volumes 
octavo. 


I     The  office  of  the  secretaryship  (secretariat)  of  the  general  police, 
a     For  le  secretaire.     The  secretary. 
}     Mr.  Edward  Griswold. 


463 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

1 8.  Dine  at  Fonzi's,  being  the  fete  de  Mad'e1. 

T:  Dr.  Swediaur,  Vanderlyn,  Hernandez,  Mr. , 

musicien*;    Madame  Montalambert,  veuve  du  General*; 

Madame ,  souer  de  Madame  Castro  ;   Madame 

and  M'lle  Fabre.     Ayez  un  peu  de  menagement  pour  les 
beautes  passees.     Ah,  Madame  D.  encore  enseingte  ?    Je 
vous  croyois  accouchie  il  y  a  long  ferns.     Mais  ecst  bien  sur 
que  je  ne  puis  pas  enseingte  plus  que  p  mois*?     Then  a 
critical  discussion  on  the  possible  time  of  gestation  and 
how  the  date  might  be  ascertained.     Home  at  10. 

19.  To  Fonzi's  at   12  and  till  2.      Home  till  4 
doing  nothing.     Then  to  Crede's  ;  out,  but  his  son  at 
home.     To  Vanderlyn's ;    out.     Home    at    */£    p.  6, 
having  walked  about  two  and  a  half  leagues.     La  S'te* 
brought  me  a  bouillon**,  before  I  went  out ;  very  accept- 
able.    On  my  return  at  7  tea,  bro.,  egg  for  dinner  and 
supper.     La  J'te1  sat  an  hour  telling  her  misfortunes. 
La  viell  'de*  prays  for  me,  so  that  my  soul  is  in  a  good 
way.     She  is   devote9,  goes  daily  to   mass,  and  fills  up 
the  interval  with  cards.      Vanderlyn  had  called  twice 

1  Mad'e  for  Madame.     Madame's  birthday  (literally,  feast). 

2  Musician. 

3  Widow  of  the  General  (general).     Marc  Rene,  Marquis  de  Montalembert  (1714-1800),  was 
a  celebrated  French  general  and  engineer.     He  was  an  acknowledged  authority  on  fortifications, 
being  a  voluminous  writer  along  this  line.     His  chief  work  was  u  Perpendicular  Fortifications," 
in  eleven  volumes,  published  from  1776  on,  and  re-edited  in  1793   under  the  title,  "  The  Defen- 
sive Art  Superior  to  the  Offensive."     The  great  Carnot  thought  so  well  of  Montalembert  that  he 
called  him  into  his  council.     In  1770  he  married  a  talented,  beautiful  lady  of  the  name  of  Jose- 
phine de  Comarieu,  whose  drawing-room  became  one  of  the  most  popular  of  all  Paris.     In   ijgi 
he  took  her  to  London,  where  he  left  her  and,  returning  to  Paris,  obtained  a  divorce  and  married 
the  sister  of  Codet  de  Vaux,  the  celebrated  chemist.     After  the  death  of  Montalembert  his  for- 
mer wife  returned  to  Paris,  where  she  lived  until  i8jz.     She  was  a  novelist  of  some  repute. 

4  For  "  Aje'X.  un  feu  de  management  four  les  beautes  fasseii."    "Ah,  Madame  D.,  vous  etes 
encore  enceinte?      Je  vous  eroyais  accouch'ee  il  j  a  longtemfs"     "  Mais  est-ce   bien   sur  que  je  ne 
suit  fas  enceinte  plus  que  neuf  mois  ?"     "  Have  a  little  consideration  for  past  beauties."     "Ah, 
Madame  D.,  you  are  still  pregnant?     I  thought  you  had  been  confined  long  ago."     "  But  is  it 
quite  certain  that  I  am  not  pregnant  more  than  nine  months  ?" 

5  For  La  Sainte.     The  Saint.     The  name  given  by  Burr  to  the  maid  who  was  so  pious. 

6  Broth. 

7  For  La  Jeannette.     Jeannette.     This  was  the  name  of  the   maid  whom  Burr  called  the 
saint. 

8  For  La  vieillarde.     The  old  woman.     (The  feminine  form  of  the  noun  vieillard  is  exceed- 
ingly rare.) 

9  For  devote.     Devout. 

464 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

during  my  absence  to-day.  Forgot  to  say  that  I  had 
yesterday  a  letter  from  Liming  pere\  very  amiable,  and 
to-day  another  from  our  cousin,  John  Gotleib  Burr, 
giving  the  history  of  his  family,  which  will  give  me 
some  trouble  to  translate,  and  then  to  reply  in  German. 
You  did  not  know  before  I  told  you,  and  I  have  not 
told  you  yet,  huzzy,  that  you  are  a  Dutchman  !  But 
alas  !  in  my  affairs  no  advance ;  no  passport ;  no 
money.  "  Erotika  Biblion"*  par  Mirabeau;  duod.,  one 
volume,  Paris  :  1801.  A  very  whimsical  book,  which 
I  borrowed  of  Madame  F.,  and  read  last  week.  Settle 
with  Jeannet;  8  francs  10  sous. 

20.  Called     on    Due    d' Alberg ;    he    returned 
yesterday  but  had  walked  out.    To  Fonzi's,  where  from 
i  to  4.     Home   and   thence   to  Vanderlyn's   to   dine. 
After  dinner  home  at  8.     Coffee,  w't.  socer  mjlk3. 

21.  At  y2    p.   9  to  Due  d'Alberg's,  where  yz 
hour.     Thence    on    to    Roux's;    out.     To    Madame 
Robertson's,  where  an   hour  ;   fruit,  wine,  sug.  water4. 
Engaged  me  to  dine  to-morrow.     To  Fonzi's  at  2. 
Home  to  change  and  dress  and  thence  to  meet  Van- 
derlyn  and  two  M'lls.    Viol,  pas  y  an  hour5.     Cooked 
three   eggs   which   with   bro   for  din.     On  way  from 
Madame  R.'s  called  at  the  bureaux6,  where  found  Roux. 
No  answer  from  Minister  about  passport.     Evening,  a 
bottle  beer,  7  sous.     La  Jeanette  an  beur1;  muse,  &c., 

2  A  Greek  title  meaning  "  Erotic  Book  "  or  "  Book  of  Sensual  Passions."     It  was  a  collec- 
tion of  examples  of  deviations  from  true  love  among  different  nations.     Mirabeau  wrote  it  when, 
as  a  young  man,  he  was  imprisoned  in  a  dungeon  of  the  Vincennes  prison,  about  1780. 

3  For  lockervatten  och  mjoli.     Sugar-water  and  milk. 

5  Possibly  for  Violette  pas  y  ;  an  hour.    Violette  not  there  ;  staid  an  hour.    But  probably  for 
Violette.     Tj  fassai  une  heure.     Violette.     Passed  an  hour  there. 

6  Offices. 

7  For  heure.     Hour. 

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Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

pour  r amour  de  dieu1.  But  after  dinner  walked  to 
Crede's,  which  is  a  league ;  not  come  to  town.  So 
home.  A  very  mild,  serene,  clear  day,  the  only  one 
this  month. 

22.  Got  la  Jeanette  to  buy  my  coal  and  milk  ; 
got  of  both  just  double  the  quantity  for  the  same  price  ; 
of  coal,  indeed,  nearly  three-fold.     At  9  to  Staley's  to 
get  newspapers ;  got   three   of  July,  but   nothing   of 
interest.     Thence    to    Vanderlyn's  ;    out.      Met    his 
bonne'2'  in  the  street.      Home.      Letter  of  business  for 
la  Jeanette.     At  3  to  Fonzi's.     At  ^  p.  5  to  Madame 
Robertson's  to  dine.     T:  Sidney,  Madame  Menutzi, 
Madame  Lewins.     Le  soir*,  as  always,  came  in  Adam- 
son.     Staid  till  yz   p.   9  ;  home  at   yz    p.    10.     Rene.4 
but  got  safe  home  ;  only  7  sous  pour  bout,  de  bierre*. 
Read  an   hour  in  the  "  Journal  del  Adjutant-General 
Ramel  Fun  des  Deport es  a  la  Guina  avec  Pichegru  et  14. 
others."      Un  volume  octavo,  Londres6. 

23.  To    Fonzi's    at   9,   mats  rien  fait.1     With 
Madame  Pelough  to   Paschaud's  to  get  letter.      It  is 
from  Menard  only  to  say  that  he  had  no  letters  for 
me.     Changed  5  guineas   at   26   francs   8   sous.     To 


I      Muse,  etc.,  for  the  love  of  God. 
•3.     Nursery-maid. 

3  In  the  evening. 

4  For  rencontre.     Rencounter. 

5  For  seft  sous  four  une  bouteille  de  biere.     Seven  sous  for  a  bottle  of  beer. 

6  For"  Journal  de  T Adjutant-General  Ramel,  /'un  des  Defortis  a  la  Guiane  avee  Pichegru  et 
I4autres"  etc.     "Journal  of  Adjutant-General  Ramel,  one  of  those  Deported  to   Guiana  with 
Pichegru  and  Fourteen  Others."     One  volume  octavo,  London.     Charles  Pichegru  (1761-1804) 
was  a  distinguished  French  general.     In   1795   he  conquered  Holland  and  organized  the  Bata- 
vian  Republic.     Then  he  resumed  command  of  the  Army  of  the  Rhine,  of  which  he    had  been 
made  chief  in  179?,  but  entering  into  negotiations  with  the  Bourbons  and  falling  under  suspicion 
on  account  of  his  activity  and  the  reverses  sustained  by  his  army,  he  was  deprived   of  his  com- 
mand in  1796.     During  the  following  year  he  was  a  member  of  the  Council   of  Five  Hundred, 
and  was  chosen  its  president ;  but  his  plottings  with  the   Royalist  party  and    the    emigres  were 
discovered.      He  was  therefore  arrested,  September  4,  1797,  and  transported  to   Cayenne,  from 
which  he  escaped  the  following  year  to  England.     Later   he  was  found   in    Paris,  arrested,  im- 
prisoned, and  in  1804  he  was  found  strangled  in  his  cell. 

7  But  nothing  done. 


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Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Viol.V,  where  an  hour ;  gr.,  bk.y  roug.  cbev.z  To 
Fonzi's  ;  one  piece  is  now,  I  think,  complete3.  Dined 
by  invitation  with  Madame  Pelough.  After  dinner 
came  in  Vanderlyn.  After  smoking  segar,  walked 
with  him  to  Crede's  to  make  money.  Merite*. 

24.  Wrote  this  morning  to  Duke  Bassano,  again 
demanding  passport.     Sor.  at  2.     To  Roux  to  press 
the  same  demand  on  Duke  de  Cadore.     R.  is  always 
civil.     He  had  "received  no  answer"   from  the  Duke 
(this  is  the  diplomatic  style  of  negation);  but  promised 
to  state  my  further  reasons  and  demand.     Thence  to 
Saugnier's,  le  sec.  de  la  -police  gen/es;  out ;  left,  enclosed 
to   him,  my  letter,  which   is  in   English,  to   Bassano. 
To  Vanderlyn's  to  dine  ;  leaving  an  hour  and  ^  before 
dinner.     Read  out  the  first  part  of  Burke's  "  Sublime 
and  Beautiful."     After  dinner  called   on   Crede ;  not 
in  town.     To  the  Luxembourg  garden  where  I  had 
rendezvous    with   Vanderlyn,   but  he    came  not ;    so 
home.     At  Vanderlyn's  had  the  misfortune  to  break  a 
spring  of  my  rat.b 

25.  Rose  this  morning  at  6  and  with  very  pious 
resolutions   to   write   a   number   of  letters,  &c.     You 
shall  see   how  faithfully  executed.     At  7  to  Fonzi's 
about  that  spring.     Home  to  breakfast.     At  1 1  recol- 
lected   a    rendezvous   foolishly   made   to   Viol.     You 
know  how  religious  I  am  in  the  performance  of  all 
sorts   of  engagements,  so  went.     Found  M'lle   in   a 

I  Probably  for  Violette. 

^  Forgrande,  blonde,  let  cheveux  rouges.     Tall,  blonde,  red  hair. 

3  Probably  a  reference  to  false-teeth. 

1  For  //  a  du  m'erite.     It  (i.  «.,  the  scheme)  has  merit. 

5  For  It  Secretaire  de  la  Police  Generate.     Secretary  of  the  General  Police. 

6  For  r atelier.     Set  of  false  teeth.     They  were  made  with  springs  in  olden  times. 

467 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

state  of  expectation  and  disposed  to  be  amiable.  T 
an  hour ;  6  francs ;  never  better  pleased  with  red, 
which  is  my  abhorrence  in  theory.  Thence  home. 
Changed  6  guineas  at  26  franc  10  sous.  To  make  a 
cud.1  to  Fonzi.  Gave  him  6  napoleons.  Took  a 
breakfast  there  of  meat,  bread,  wine  at  I  o'clock.  On 
my  way  home  the  devil  put  in  my  way  Flora,  whom  I 
had  often  before  met  and  promised  to  call  on  ;  went 
to  sa  cham.  Jol.  bon.  vol.;  y  2  h*;  /  francs.  Home 
at  3  and  at  4  made  myself  coffee.  At  6  came  in  Van- 
derlyn.  Walked  with  him  to  show  him  Flora  as  he 
was  in  want  of  muse ;  J  francs ;  y  2  b}  Home  at  9 
and  rather  disposed  to  go  early  to  bed,  having  been 
kept  awake  till  2  this  morning  by  the  songs,  &c. 
(a  party  below)  and  being  obliged  to  be  up  at  6  to- 
morrow, and  the  labor  of  the  day  requires  repose. 
So  God  bless  and  reform  thee ! 

26.  Went  to  bed  last  night  full  of  penitence  and 
contrition  and  promising  you  any  number  of  times 
that  I  would  never  do  so  again.  Full  of  apprehen- 
sion, too,  of  some  physical  consequences.  Rose  at  6 
and  to  my  great  surprise  in  perfectly  good  order.  It 
manifests,  at  least,  the  good  state  of  my  health.  Got 
breakfast  at  7,  and  went  at  8  to  the  rendezvous  agreed 
on  with  Hernandez  and  Vanderlyn,  about  *^  league. 
They  had  just  gone  off  to  St.  Germain4,  whither  I  was 
to  have  gone  with  them  if  they  would  have  staid  till 


1  Possibly  for  cadeau.     Present. 

2  For  went  to  sa  cbambrt,     Elle  est  jolie,  bonne,  voluftueuse  ;  j  deux  beures.      She  is  pretty 
good,  voluptuous;  staid  there  two  hours. 

3  There  two  hours. 

4  Meaning  St.  Germain-en-Laye,  a  tranquil  town  outside  of  Paris.     See  page  455,  note  j. 


468 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

12.  Nevertheless,  was  glad  they  were  gone,  for  the 
jaunt  would  have  cost  me  8  livres.  Home,  and  after 
changing  and  refreshing  for  an  hour,  for  it  is  very 
warm,  to  Due  d'Alberg's.  Very  lucky  I  went,  for  he 
had  been  seeking  me,  and  had  lost  my  address. 
Offered  to  take  me  to  the  Due  Rovigo1,  to  whom  I 
have  been  trying  these  eight  weeks  to  get  access.  The 
Due  wrote  a  letter  demanding  audience  for  us,  which 
letter  I  took  and  left  at  Rovigo's.  I  suspect  that  His 
Majesty  begins  to  think  of  me  and  my  projects. 
From  d'Alberg's  to  Madame  Robertson's,  where  an 
hour.  Took  a  second  breakfast  of  ham,  fruit,  wine. 
Thence  to  Saugnier's.  He  refused  to  see  me,  but  sent 
word  by  the  servant  that  he  had  no  answer  to  my 
letter.  Home  at  2.  The  Due  d'Alberg  having 
requested  another  copy  of  my  memoir,  went  out  at  5 
to  get  Argaud  to  make  me  another  copy.  He  had 
moved  to  Rue  Fer  de  Moulin,  Faubourg  Mareil4, 
about  four  or  five  miles  off.  So  came  home,  but  after 
taking  my  bro.  and  mjlk*,  to  Argaud's ;  gave  him  my 
brouillard*  with  some  additional  notes,  which  I  have 

I  Anne  Jean  Marie  Rene  Savary,  Due  de  Rovigo  (1774-1835),  was  a  French  general  and 
politician  who  attached  himself  unreservedly  to  the  fortunes  of  Napoleon.  He  fought  in  many 
battles.  From  the  battle  of  Marengo  on,  he  was  Napoleon's  aide-de-camp  and  confidential  man. 
In  1800  he  was  named  Colonel  and  Commandant  of  the  Select  Gendarmerie,  which  was  com- 
missioned to  watch  over  the  safety  of  the  First  Consul.  In  1803  he  became  Brigadier-General 
and  two  years  later  rose  to  be  Grand  Officer  of  the  Legion  of  Honour.  In  1808,  after  serving  as 
ambassador  at  St.  Petersburg,  the  title  of  Duke  of  Rovigo  was  given  to  him  by  the  Emperor.  In 
1810  he  was  called  to  succeed  Fouche  as  Minister  of  Police.  Of  his  nomination  to  that  office  he 
himself  wrote  :  "  I  inspired  fear  in  everybody.  From  the  moment  of  my  nomination  people 
packed  up.  There  was  talk  of  nothing  but  exiles  and  imprisonments  and  things  still  worse.  In 
fine,  I  believe  that  news  of  the  plague  having  arrived  on  some  point  of  the  coast  could  not  have 
occasioned  greater  fright  than  did  that  of  my  nomination  to  the  Ministry  of  Police."  On  Napo- 
leon's return  from  Elba,  the  Duke  was  made  a  peer  and  put  at  the  head  of  all  the  gendarmerie 
of  the  Empire.  He  wanted  to  accompany  Napoleon  to  St.  Helena,  but  was  not  allowed  to  go. 
Seldom  has  a  crowned  head  had  a  slave  more  willing  than  de  Rovigo. 

z  Iron-mill  street.  (Rue  Moulin-a-fer)  in  the  Marais  suburb.  How  the  name  Marais  came 
to  be  given  has  already  been  explained.  See  page  457,  note  6. 

J     For  trod  and  mjoll.     It  is  remarkable  how  Burr  sticks  to  these  Swedish  words. 

4     Rough  draft. 

469 


Private     "Journal    of     Aaron     Burr. 

made  to-day,  and  he  promised  to  bring  me  a  copy  on 
Tuesday  morning.  Came  home  through  the  Jardin 
des  Plantes1  and  the  Boulevard,  so  that  I  have  walked 
nearly  twenty  miles  to-day,  and  am  not  the  least 
fatigued.  I  grudged  Gamp  a  coach  on  account  of 
yesterday's  extravagance.  Jeanette  brought  me  wine, 
bread,  and  melon  to  refresh  and  heated  water  for 
drink.  Now  I  have  to  write  a  long  letter  of  business 
for  Jeanette. 

30.  Rose   at   6   and  at  7  to   Fonzi's,  where  an 
hour.      Home.      Breakfast.      Had  lent  my  memorial 
to  M.  Pelough,  and  he  had  gone  out.     Dressed  for 
the  intended  visit  to  Rovigo.     There  being  a  defect  in 
the  work  of  Fonzi2,  and  being  without  my  memorial, 
resolved  to  postpone  the  visit   till  to-morrow.       Din. 
bro.  mjolk.     On  my  way  home  called  at  the  Lyon  and 
then  on  Scherer,  who  had  a   letter  for  me.     It  is  from 
Bollman.     The  only  one  from  America  since  October 
last. 

31.  Rose  at  6.     To  Fonzi's  at    10  and  till   12. 
Then  dressed,  and  to   the  Due  Rovigo's,  armed  with 
his  note  to  d'Alberg.  The  huissier*  told  me  that  there 
were  a  great  number  of  persons  waiting  audience  ;  that 
it  would  be  very  late  before  I  could  be   received,  and 
recommended  me  to  come  to-morrow  at  i.     Din.  bro. 
mik. 


1  Le  Jardin  des  Plantes  or  Museum  d'Histoire  Naturelle  was  founded  in   1635   by  Guy  de 
Labrosse,  a  celebrated  botanist,  and  was,  as  its  name  implies,  intended  for  plants.     It  was 
entrusted  to  Buffon  about  a  century  later,  who  completely  transformed  it  and  organized  natural 
history  collections.     Bernardin  de  St.  Pierre  transferred  to  it  in  1793  the  animals  of  the  royal 
menageries  of  Versailles  and  other  animals.     In  modern  times  it  has  become  a  very  celebrated 
museum  of  natural  history. 

2  Fonzi  was  Burr's  dentist. 

3  Usher. 

470 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Paris,  Sept.  i,  1810.  Rose  at  5,  having  slept 
enough,  though  it  was  12  when  I  couched1.  At  i  to 
Duke  Rovigo's.  I  was  the  first,  and  placed  in  the 
antechamber.  The  huissier  told  me  that  the  audience 
would  not  begin  till  2.  "  Why,  then,  sir,  did  you  bid 
me  come  at  i  ?"  "  That  you  might  be  ready  at  2." 
There  came  in  to  the  number  of  forty-seven  ;  a  major- 
ity women.  Two  English  women  sat  next  to  me.  At 
YZ  p.  2  the  doors  were  thrown  open,  and  a  buissier 
cried  out,  "Mesdames  et  messieurs ,  entrez"*.  I  was  quite 
surprised,  expecting  we  were  to  be  called  in  one  by  one, 
as  I  had  seen  practiced  by  Fauchet3  and  Champigny. 
We  all  went  in.  The  Due,  in  full  dress,  was  at  the 
farther  end  of  the  room,  and  we  stood,  forming  a  sort 
of  horseshoe,  of  which  the  two  ends  approached  him. 
He  began  on  his  right,  and  so  on,  hearing  and  answer- 
ing, generally,  in  about  one  minute.  Some  of  the 
women  kept  him  three  or  four  minutes,  and  some  talk- 
ing on  after  he  had  given  his  answer,  till  he  turned  his 
back  and  addressed  the  next.  His  first  question  was, 
"  Qui  etes  vous?"*  One  very  ill-looking  fellow  he 
asked,  "  Etes  vous  k  Colonel  Burr?"5  By  which  I 
learned  that  he  had  that  person  in  his  mind.  I  shifted 
my  place  so  as  to  be  last ;  but  some  three  or  four 
others,  with  the  like  design,  got  after  me.  At  length 
my  turn  came.  I  announced  myself,  and  told  him  I 
had  been  refused  a  passport,  at  which  I  was  the  more 


I  A  hybrid  verb  from  the  French  ^yerb  couchcr,  to  go  to  bed  or  put  to  bed. 

a  "  Ladies  and  gentlemen,  enter." 

3  For  Fouche.  „ 

4  For  "^«i  etes-vous?"     "  Who  are  you  >. 

5  "  Are  you  Colonel  Burr  >.  " 

47 i 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

surprised,  as  he  probably  knew  the  nature  of  the  busi- 
ness which  had  brought  me  to  France.  "  J 'en  ai 
entendu  paler  mais  je  ne  connois  pas  les  detailes"  "  Je 
serais  charme,  Monsieur,  d'un  occasion  de  vous  les  fair e 
connoitre.  J' ai  n  ai  pas  eu  le  bonheur  d 'avoir  ete  ecoute 
par  un  soldat  et  un  autre  nest  pas  capable  de  juger  de  mon 
affaire.  Le  genie  militaire  de  votre  Excellence  scaur  ait 
apprecier  mes  veus  et  je  serais  desole  de  quitte  la  f ranee 
sans  avoir  ete  entendu  et  compris."1  Then  he  asked  me 
to  walk  aside  that  he  might  hear  it.  I  told  him  I  had 
it  in  writing.  "  Ah,  donnez  le  moi.  Je  le  lirai  avec 
empressement"i  So  I  drew  it  from  my  side  pocket  and 
gave  it  to  him,  and  was  going  to  renew  the  question  of 
passport.  "  Ah,  nous  confer ons  de  ca  aprez  j  'aurai  lu 
votre  memoir  e.  Je  vous  ecrirai  pour  vous  donner  rendez- 
vous particulier  en  peu  de  jours;'1  and  turned  off  to 
another.  So  that  after  all  my  pains  to  get  an  audience, 
it  has  amounted  to  just  nothing.  It  was  unlucky, 
however,  that,  through  ignorance,  I  should  have 
stumbled  on  his  public  day.  On  any  other  he  gives 
private  audiences  to  all  who  are  permitted  to  come  in. 
I  like  much  his  appearance  and  manner.  A  handsome 
man,  about  42,  very  prompt  and  decided,  but  suffi- 
ciently courteous  ;  the  appearance  of  intelligence  and 
good  breeding ;  all  which  is  better  than  I  had  been 
taught  to  expect.  Got  off  at  4.  To  Paschaud's, 

I  "I  have  heard  it  mentioned  (parler),  but  I  do  not  know  (connais)  the  details."  "  I 
should  be  charmed,  sir,  to  have  an  opportunity  to  make  you  acquainted  with  them.  I  have  not 
had  the  good  fortune  to  have  been  heard  by  a  soldier  and  no  other  is  capable  of  judging  of  my 
affair.  The  military  genius  of  your  Excellency  can  (saurait)  appreciate  my  desires  (voeus) 
and  I  should  be  very  sorry  (desole)  to  leave  (quitter)  France  without  having  been  heard  and 
understood." 

l    "  Ah,  give  it  to  me.     ( Donnex-Ie-moi.)     I  shall  read  it  with  eagerness." 
J     "  Ah,  we  shall  consult  together  about  that  after  (cenfereroni  de  cela  afres)  I  shall  have  read 
your  memorial  (memoire)  I  shall  write  (ecrirai)  you  in  order  to  give  you  a  private  interview  in  a 
few  days." 

472 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

where  had  agreed  to  meet  Vanderlyn  at  3.  He  had 
been  and  gone,  leaving  a  note  for  me  to  dine  with  him. 
Home  ;  changed  my  dress,  and  to  Fonzi's  ;  thence  to 
Vanderlyn's,  distant  one  league,  where  had  a  model, 
not  exquisite.  After  dinner  we  walked  by  pon  nuf  to 
Pal.  Roy.1  ;  parted  and  I  came  home,  having  agreed 
that  he  should  call  on  me  at  1 1  to-morrow,  to  arrange 
about  going  together  to  St.  Germain's,  where  is  a.  fete 
andfoire*.  Crede  came  to  town  Thursday  ;  called  on 
me  twice,  but  missing  me,  left  a  note  saying  that  he 
would  be  at  home  all  the  evening.  Called  and  saw 
him  in  the  evening.  Walked  together  to  the  Luxem- 
bourg gardens,  where  I  staid  till  he  went  to  make  a 
neg'nj  for  me.  He  was  successful,  and  returned. 
After  walking  an  hour,  home  at  10.  His  zeal  is  great 
and  unabated. 

2.  Rose  at  6.  At  9  to  d'Alberg's  ;  gone  to  the 
bath.  To  Valkenaer's,  where  took  a  second  breakfast 
and  staid  an  hour.  Home  at  u.  Came  in  Vander- 
lyn. Walked  together  by  the  Thulleries4  to  Port 
Royal5  to  get  a  passage  for  me  to  St.  Germain,  Vander- 
lyn having  resolved  not  to  go.  Found  a  carriage  with 
four ;  I  made  the  fifth.  He  wanted  but  one  of  his 
complement.  After  sitting  in  the  carriage  thirty-five 
minutes,  two  of  the  passengers  got  out  of  patience, 
sacred  and  diabledb,  and  went  to  seek  some  other  pas- 


I     For  Pont  Neuf  to  Palais  Royal. 

l     Festival  and  fair. 

3     Possibly  for  negotiation  ;  but  financial  or  amorous  f 

'         P° 


6     These  two  hybrid  ve°rbs  ar^made  by  Burr,  the  one  from  the  French  verb  sacrer,  to  curse, 
and  the  other  from  the  French  noun  diablt,  devil.     Hence,  they  cursed  and  swore. 

473 


Private     Journal    of     Aaron     Burr . 

sage.  Then  came  up  three  who  wished  to  go  to 
Versailles.  The  coachman  asked  if  any  of  us  within 
would  go  to  Versailles ;  two  said  no,  the  third  yes.  So 
we  two  Noes  were  turned  out,  and  he  changed  his  des- 
tination to  Versailles.  After  waiting  y%  hour  longer, 
without  being  able  to  get  a  passage,  gave  up  the  jaunt 
and  came  home.  Just  now,  3  P.  M.,  la  Jeanette 
brought  me  a  bowl  of  soup.  Every  day  some  such 
attention  and  good  office ;  and  now,  at  5,  I  am  going 
to  stroll  an  hour  and  fear  greatly  some  accident.  I  ask 
your  prayers  for  my  safety.  Evening.  Felicitate  me 
on  my  safe  return.  I  did,  indeed,  spend  6  livres,  viz., 
5  livres  10  sous  for  a  pound  of  sugar,  and  10  sous  for 
fruit.  Note:  This  is  the  only  sugar  bought  in  a 
month,  and  it  will  last  me  a  month,  for  I  use  none  at 
breakfast.  Have  been  reading  "  Tableau  de  V Amour 
Conjugal1-"  par  Vernette,  two  volumes,  Paris:  1810. 
Seeing  it  announced  in  several  ajficbes2,  I  wondered 
what  could  be  said  on  such  a  subject  to  fill  two  vol- 
umes. Looking  at  the  table  of  contents,  found  the 
heads  of  chapters  inviting,  and  bought  it.  A  most 
stupid  book.  I  met  in  every  chapter  disappointment 
and  nothing  else. 

3.  Rose  at  6.  At  9  to  Fonzi's,  who  was  abed. 
To  d'Alberg's,  who  had  walked  out.  On  my  return 
bought  Eoccace  nouvelles  librement  tr adults  par*  Mira- 
beau  (who  makes  everything  amusing),  eight  volumes 

1  "  Picture  of  Conjugal  Love." 

2  Placards. 

3  Boccacio's  novels  freely  translated  (traduites)  by  Mirabeau.     This  was  the  famous  "  Deca- 
merone."     Mirabeau'e  translation  was  made  during  the  time  of  his  imprisonment  and  was  pub- 
lished in  1802.     The    "Decamcrtnc"  consisted  of  one  hundred  stories  published  by  Boccacio  in 
1353,  ranging  from  the  pathetic  to  the  licentious. 

474 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

duod.  Also,  Boccace's  something,  French  and 
Italian1,  one  volume;  Rochefoucauld's  "Maxims"1, 
one  volume  ;  for  the  whole  paid  12  livres.  Then  to 
Fonzi's  again.  To  d'Alberg's  ;  always  frank  and  kind. 
He  engaged  me  to  meet  him  to-night  at  ^  p.  8  at 
Due  Rovigo's,  than  which,  you  know,  nothing  could 
be  more  agreeable  to  me.  Thence  to  Madame 
Robertson's,  where  an  hour,  and  took  soup.  She 
urged  me  to  dine,  which  I  declined  on  account  of  my 
evening  engagement.  Went  with  her  in  her  carriage 
to  see  the  M'lles  Evans  ;  and  thence  I  called  on  Swe- 
diaur,  where  ^  hour,  and  then  home.  Took  two 
eggs  for  din.  To  Beret's,  coiffeur*,  to  engage  him  to 
call  this  evening ;  but  saw  only  his  wife,  qui  est  fort 
gentill*  Home.  Made  my  toilette  without  Beret. 
Vanderlyn  came  in  and  we  walked  by  way  of  Pal.  Roy.5 
(a  route  he  always  prefers  a  cause  desfilles6},  A  thunder- 
shower,  that  is,  much  lightning,  a  little  thunder,  and 
about  ten  drops  of  rain.  At  the  Due's  was  a  great 
assemblage ;  perhaps  one  hundred  gentlemen,  and 
twenty  or  thirty  ladies.  Met  there  the  Due  d'Alberg, 
who  presented  me  in  form  to  Due  Rovigo.  Staid  an 
hour  to  see  the  show,  with  which  I  was  amused, 
because  it  furnished  something  to  amuse  you.  The 
Due  told  me  he  had  read  my  memo.\  and  said  some 


I     Boccacio  wrote  many  works  and  it  is  impossible  to  conjecture  to  which  reference  is  here 

zdCThe  French  title  of  this  work  is  "  Rifltxion,  ,u  Sentence  et  Maxim*,  Morale,  du  Due  d,  la 
chefoucauld."     It  was  written  during  the  age  of  Richelieu  and  had  a  wide  and  salutary 


Rochefo 
influence. 

3  Hair-dresser. 

4  Who  is  very  pretty.     (Gentille.) 

5  For  Palais  Royal. 

6  Because  of  the  girls. 

7  For  memoire.     Memorial. 


475 


Private     J  o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

civil  things.  Off  at  ^  p.  9  and  home.  Bon  soir, 
chere  TV  Mem  :  Took  coffee  before  going  out  this 
evening,  contrary  to  all  habit,  and  much  afraid  of 
insom.,  to  guard  against  which  have  drank  a  y2  bottle 
of  wine. 

4.  The  coffee  did  keep  me  awake  till  about  3  ; 
nevertheless  rose  at  6.     Sor.  9  to  Terrien  de  Riviere's 
villa,  Rue  du  Temple,  about  i  ^  miles  ;  out.     Then 
by   the   quais*   to    Baron   d'Alberg's,   Rue   Concorde, 
about  two  miles.     Tan  hour.     Then  to  Fonzi's  where 
engaged  myself  to  dine.     Home  at  2.     Read  about 
sixty  pages  in  the  "  Fiametta  "  de  Boccace\  which  found 
dull,  the  French  being  antique  and  difficult  to  under- 
stand.    Finding  myself  drowsy,  took  a  nap  in  my  chair 
of  an  hour.     To  Fonzi's  at  */£  p.  5  to  dine.     T  the 

famous  young ,  whose  father  I  met  there  some 

time  ago.     Came  in   after  dinner  Mons.   Isidore  and 
wife  and  three  enf.4     He  had  been  a  year  in  England 
as    emigre5.     A    very    pleasant,   well-informed    man. 
Urged  me  much  to  come  and  pass  a  day  with  him  at 
Passy,  where  he  resides.     This  is  the  first  Frenchman 
who  has  offered  me  the  slightest  hospitality  since  the 
7  mo.  I  have  been  in  France.     Home  at  9.     Seul  y2 
hour  with  Mr.  and  Madame  Pelough.     Coucbe  at   12. 

5.  Lay  till  9  to  sleep  off  a   headache.     In  bad 
order.     Took  a  bowl   of  tea,  but  ate   not.     At   i   to 


I      For  Bon  ioir,  cbere  Theodosia.     Good  evening,  dear  Theodosia. 
i     Quays,  wharfs. 

3  Boccacio's  "i1  Amorosa  Fiammetta"  an  allegory  as  tedious  as  it  is  long,  of  the  amours  of 
Boccacio  and  Princess  Marie. 

4  For  infants.     Children. 

5  Emigrant. 


476 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

Rovigo's  ;  gone  to  St.  Cloud's1.  To  Dr.  Swediaur's 
y?,  hour ;  then  walked  along  the  quais  an  hour,  look- 
ing at  the  books  which  are  there  exposed2.  They  are 
second-hand  books  and  odd  volumes,  but  so  amaz- 
ingly cheap  that  it  is  tempting  to  buy,  but  bought 
none.  Saw  an  edition  of  Boccace  for  6,  io3,  which  is  2 
livres  less  than  I  paid  for  mine,  and  which  I  thought 
so  very  cheap  ;  i  livre  a  volume,  there  being  eight 
volumes,  what  cheaper  could  be  desired  ?  To  Fonzi's; 
engaged.  Home  and  at  4  made  breakfast,  the  head- 
ache having  passed  off.  Did  not  go  out  again.  At  8 
came  in  Vanderlyn  and  sat  two  hours.  To-morrow 
shall  go  again  to  Rovigo's,  when  it  is  hoped  I  may 
have  something  to  tell  you. 

6.  Coucbe  12.  Rose  6.  One  sound  nap.  Sor. 
at  9  to  a  bookstore  in  St.  Honore4,  where  bought  for 
you  and  Gamp  to  the  amount  of  16,  io5 — -just  3  dollars. 
I  mean  to  buy  you  about  fifty  plays  of  those  written 
since  '88.  You  will  see  from  them  much  of  the  change 
of  manners.  On  my  way  home  changed  three  guineas. 
Then  to  Fonzi's  ;  engaged.  Home  and  dressed  for 
the  Due  Rovigo's  ;  went  there  at  i.  Was  told  by  the 
buissier  that  he  was  in  council  of  state,  which  might 
last  till  4,  but  advised  me  to  come  at  3.  Paschaud's 
bookstore  being  just  by,  went  there  to  pass  the  two 
hours.  At  3  returned  to  the  Due's  and,  after  staying 


I  St.  Cloud  is  a  small  town  on  the  Seine  about  six  miles  southwest  of  Paris.  Napoleon  was 
very  fond  of  this  retreat,  probably  because  thveerren^teffected  the  ""'  d  ""  °f  November  IO' 
I7"'ManCh  travelers'  in"  Paris^re  greatly  ^""P^d'as  Burr  was  by  the  remarkable  bargains  in  old 
books  which  are  to  be  had  at  numerous  book-stalls  along  the  Seine. 

3  Meaning  6  livres  or  francs  and  io  sous. 

4  Meaning  Rue  St.  Honore. 

5  Meaning  16  livres  io  sous. 

477 


Private     ^Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

an  hour  in  the  antechamber,  was  told  that  the  council 
might  still  sit  a  great  while,  and  that  I  had  better 
come  to-morrow  at  i .  So  off  to  Fonzi's;  still  engaged. 
Home.  Coffe.1  and  bro.  for  din.  At  7  to  Fonzi's,  a 
visit.  He  is  not  only  a  dentiste^  but  a  man  of  educa- 
tion, of  talents,  and  considerable  acquirements  ;  franc 
et  enjoue1.  I  met  there,  also,  a  very  amiable  Spaniard, 
c.  d.  prete*\  has  passed  many  years  at  Constantinople, 
attached,  I  believe,  to  the  Spanish  embassy.  He  has 
great  love  for  personal  independence  and  ease,  that  he 
has  refused  a  brilliant  place  at  court,  and  prefers  to 
learn  Fonzi's  art.  Vanderlyn  was  there  also.  Staid 
till  9,  then  home,  and  have  read  an  essay  on  lotteries, 
par  Bardini.  A  title  full  of  pretension,  but  the  pam- 
phlet has  very  little  either  of  fact  or  reasoning.  Read 
also  one  of  your  plays,  "  La  Famille  Americaine"*  par 
le  Citoyen  Bouilly5.  Very  pretty.  Yesterday,  no,  it 
was  Tuesday,  the  weather  changed,  and  it  is  now  so 
cold  that  I  should  be  glad  of  a  fire ;  but  to  that  there 
are  great  objections ;  for  what  would  become  of  the 
fifty  plays,  and  of  something,  I  won't  tell  what,  which 
I  meditate  to  buy  for  Gampillo6,  that  will  make  his 
little  heart  kick  ? 

7.     Coucbe    y%    p.    12.     Rose    yz    p.    6.     How 
divinely  I  sleep.      "Divinely?"      Do  the  gods  sleep?7 


1  Probably  meant  for  cafe.     Coffee. 

2  Candid  and  merry. 

3  For  ci-devant  fretre.     Formerly  priest. 

4  "  The  American  Family." 

5  By  Citizen  Bouilly.     The  appellations  citizen  (citojen)  for  men  and  citizeness  (citoyenne) 
for  women  were  universally  employed  under  the  Republic  for  Monsieur  and  Madame.     Under 
the  Consulate  these  titles  disappeared  from  public  acts  and  official  language. 

6  Little  Gamp  or  Gampy,  Burr's  favorite  nickname  for  his  grandson. 

7  The  reader  will  note  Burr's  play  on  the  word  "  divinely,'    which  is  derived  from  the  Latin 
divinus,  belonging  to  a  god. 


478 


Private     journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

At  9  to  Valkenaer's,  where  an  hour,  and  took  a  second 
breakfast,  tea,  bro.^  but.,  and  smo.  beef  shard1.  To 
d'Alberg's  an  hour.  Home  and  dressed  for  Due  de 
Rovigo's,  where  at  J/£  p.  12.  The  huissier  told  me 
that  S.  E*  did  not  receive  to-day.  "  N'eanmoms  faites 
•passer  mon  nom"*  Several  others  also  came  in.  Was 
seated  with  my  back  to  the  door  of  entrance.  But 
the  story  is  too  long  to  write.  I  will  tell  it  you.  The 
conclusion  is,  that  after  waiting  three  hours,  I  got  sight 
of  his  Excellency  by  force,  and  demanded  my  pass- 
port. "  f  en  at  farlai  a  S.  M.  avant  hier  et  il  a  con- 
senfi,  mats  il  faut  que  fen  -parle  au  Min.  de  Rel.  Ext'r 
et  je  vous  enformerai"4  and  turned  his  back  and  made 
his  escape.  The  assurance  that  H.  M.  has  consented 
is  something,  though  I  am  very  sorry  to  say,  not 
much.  Words  cost  nothing  here,  and  there  is  often 
an  immensity  of  time  and  space  between  the  promise 
of  a  courtier  and  the  performance.  At  4  to  Fonzi's 
and  thence  to  Vanderlyn's,  where  dined  at  */£  p.  6. 
We  walked  together  as  far  as  le  passage  faydeatf  and 
thence  I  came  home.  Found  a  note  from  Madame 
R'n,  requesting  me  to  dine  to-morrow,  as  being  "-prob- 
ably the  last  timer  Replied  yes.  On  my  way  from 
the  Minister's,  went  round  by  Rue  Cadran  to  Stone's 
manufactory,  and  he  not  being  there,  to  Rue  Bondi ; 


1  For  tea,  brod,  butter,  and  smoked  beef  cut  in  thin  slices.     (Shard  for  shared.) 

2  For  Son  Excellence.     His  Excellency. 


elgc"   There  hinS  Paris  a  short  street  named  Rue  Feydeau  leading  from  Rue  Richelieu  to  Rue 
Montmartre.     Burr  may  mean  this;  or  there  may  have  been  an  arcade  (fassage)  of  t 
name. 

479 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

out.  Left  a  note  which  I  had  written  in  case  of  not 
finding  him.  The  note  was  rather  dry,  and  may  prob- 
ably terminate  our  acquaintance. 

8.  Couche  12.     Rose  6.     At  9  to  Fonzi's.     At 
10  to  Due  d'Alberg's,  to  whom  related  my  interview 
of  yesterday.      He  advises  me  to  go  to  his  evening 
party  on  Monday,  and  there  again  press  the  subject, 
and  he  will  meet  me  there.     Back  to  Fonzi's  and  there 
till   2.     Then   at  4  to   Fonzi's  again  and  at  y%  p.  4 
walked  off  to  Madame  Robertson's  to  dine.    T:  Evans 
r ainee1  and  Madame  Menutzi.     Staid  till  9  and  then 
home.     Wrote  a  note  to   Crede,  who,   I   fear,  is  not 
pleased  that  I  did  not  pass  Sunday  last  with  him  as  I 
had  engaged.     See  the  "  Journal  de  I' Empire  "2  of  this 
day.     The    contrast    between    France    and    England. 
Wrote  note  to  Crede  which  sent  by  the  messagerie*  to 
beg  him  to  advise  me  of  his  advent. 

9.  At  8  came  in  Mr.  Howseal,  whom  I  detained 
at  breakfast,  and  had  a  great  breakfast  below ;  coffee, 
sugar,  bro.y  butter,  eggs,  fruit.     He  staid  nearly  two 
hours,  and  amused  me  with  his  adventures.     He  has 
only  thirteen  children,  but  expects   five   or  six   more. 
At  10  to  Fonzi's,  where  found  Vanderlyn,  but  F.  was 
engaged.      Home  and  read  in  "  Les  abus  Dans  les  Cere- 
monies et  Dans  les  Moeurs"   devellopes  par   Mr.    L., 
auteur  du  "  Compere  Mattbieu"*     Octavo  ;   175  pages. 


1  For  Tainie.     The  elder  Miss  Evans. 

2  The  "  Journal  of  the  Empire." 

3  Coach  or  coach-office. 

4  "  Abuses  in  Ceremonies  (Ceremonies')  and  Customs,"  Developed  or  Expanded  (d'evclofpis) 
by  Mr.   L.,    author  of  "i«    Comfere  Matthicu  "    (Godfather  Matthew).     This  was    a  satirical 
romance  published  in  1765  by  Abbe  Henri  Joseph  Dulaurens.     At  its  appearance  it  enjoyed  such 
success  that  it  was  attributed  to  Voltaire. 


480 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

Imp.  a  Blois.  2me  an.  de  la  Rep.  /r.1  There  is  wit  in 
the  preface  and  dedication  and  some  learning  in  the 
body  of  the  work,  but  the  subject  has  lost  its  interest 
except  as  mere  matter  of  curiosity.  At  2  to  Fonzi's 
again  and  there  two  hours,  and  got  fitted  so  as  to  be 
at  ease.  For  two  days  past  have  had  much  plague 
and  pain  with  my  jaws.  Dined  with  the  family  to-day, 
and  have  not  stirred  out.  Vanderlyn  came  in  at  8  and 
sat  an  hour.  Had  a  note  from  Mrs.  Robertson  this 
evening,  asking  me  to  draw  a  power  atty.  and  to  dine 
with  her  to-morrow  ;  replied,  assenting  to  both.  No 
reply  from  Stone.  What  the  devil  did  he  mean  by 
offering  me,  near  six  weeks  ago,  the  loan  of  Hum- 
boldt's  works,  and  neither  to  send  it  nor  answer  my 
notes  ?  This  is  English. 

10.  At  i o  to  d'Alberg's.  He  had  heard  noth- 
ing concerning  me,  but  persisted  that  I  should  go  this 
evening  to  Due  Rovigo's.  Home,  and  drew  and 
copied  a  power  atty.  for  Mrs.  Robertson.  Then  at  2 
to  Fonzi's.  Then  au  Musee*  to  meet  Vanderlyn  and 
to  examine  the  pictures  exposed  for  public  inspection. 
Every  two  years  there  is  an  exhibition  and  competition 
for  prizes.  Every  ten  years  a  great  exhibition  and 
great  prizes.  This  is  both  the  biennial  and  decennial 
exhibition.  As  I  buy  the  list  and  explanation  of  all 
such  things,  will  give  you  my  remarks  when  we  shall 
read  that  over  together.  At  4,  home  to  dress  for 
dinner  and  for  the  evening.  As  I  was  obliged  to  wear 

1  For  Imfrimi  a  Blois  dans  la  deuxieme  annie  de  la  Rifublique  Fran^aise.     Printed  at  Blois 
in  the  second  year  of  the  French  Republic.     (The  French  Republic  was  founded  Sept.  22,  1792. 
Then  began  the  year  I.,  called  by  the  French  Van  I.      Hence  the  year  II.  was  at  some  time  in 
the  years  1795-1794.) 

2  To  the  Museum. 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

chapeau  bras1  for  the  evening,  and  could  not  come 
home  from  Mrs.  Robertson's,  was  necessitated  to  take 
a  hack,  32  sous.  At  dinner,  Nancy  Evans,  Madame, 
and  myself.  Mrs.  Robertson  will  certainly  marry  that 
young  Adamson  very  soon.  Neither  she  nor  Mr. 
Evans  can  get  passport.  You  see  I  am  not  the  single 
victim.  Left  Madame  Robertson's  at  y2  p.  7,  and 
to  Due  Rovigo.  There  was  an  immense  crowd ; 
perhaps  one  hundred  carriages  at  the  door.  Was 
presented  to  la  Duchesse  Rovigo,  who  is  a  belle  Creole1'. 
Met  there  Due  d'Alberg  et  ux.  and  was  again  much 
amused  with  the  spectacle.  The  gentlemen  all  stand. 
Now  and  then  one  advances  and  says  some  common- 
place to  one  of  the  ladies.  Then  retires  to  the  male 
side.  They  seem  to  ennui*  themselves  quite  as  much 
as  in  England  or  America  on  like  occasions.  I  was 
almost  the  only  person  who  was  laced  and  galloned4. 
Home  at  */£  p.  9.  Observe  how  very  reasonable  and 
sage  I  have  been  for  ten  days.  I  never  spend  a  livre 
that  I  do  not  calculate  what  pretty  thing  it  might  have 
bought  for  you  and  Gampillo  ;  hence  my  economy. 

ii.  Rose  at  5.  Scarcely  light  enough  to  see. 
There  must  be  something  in  the  air  or  stars,  for  the 
family,  who  are  never  stirring  till  9,  were  up  at  7. 
Took  my  breakfast  at  7.  At  ^  p.  9  to  Valkenaer, 
where  took  a  second  breakfast.  Last  evening  I  had  a 
note  from  him,  saying  that  he  had  something  to  tell 


1  See  Glossary. 

2  A  beautiful  Creole.     (Creole.) 
}     See  Glossary. 

4     A  hybrid  perfect  participle  from  the  French  verb  galonner,  to   adorn  with   gold  or  silver 
lace. 


482 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

me.  It  was  about  the  Spanish  Cap.1,  but  how  to  get 
at  him  I  have  not  yet  discovered.  To  Fonzi's  an 
hour.  To  Abel's,  where  paid  my  account,  59  livres, 
and  exchanged  three  pr.  de  has  de  cot.  for  tant  de  filozel 
and  ordered  a  pattern  for  culottes  en  soye  noir  tricote  en 
maille  fixe* — a  piece  of  extravagance  which  you  will  find 
venial.  Din.  with  Swan  at  the  Pelasgie',  where  met 
my  friend  McRae,  whom  I  did  not  recollect,  he  is  so 
pale  and  thin.  (He  married  two  years  ago  a  young 
wife.)  Not  a  cent  for  muse  since  last  Saturday  week4. 
Staid  but  a  few  minutes.  He  had  heard  nothing  from 

V .     Engaged  to  call  on  him  again  this  week  to 

hear  something  "  important "  he  had  to  communicate. 
12.  Rose  6.  At  8  a  special  messenger  from 
Crede,  begging  me  to  call  immediately,  that  he  had 
something  very  important  to  communicate.  What 
the  devil  can  it  be  ?  Good  or  bad  ?  Or,  perhaps, 
something  which  I  shall  consider  of  no  importance  at 
all  ?  Posted  off  about  a  league,  and  found  him  wait- 
ing. The  arrival  of  G.5  is  what  he  had  to  tell  me,  and 
perhaps  it  may  be  important.  We  shall  know  to- 
morrow. Thence  about  a  league  more  to  d' Alberg's ; 
out.  To  Fonzi's  an  hour,  and  did  nothing.  Then 
home  to  receive  Howseal,  who  was  to  call  with  some 
of  his  children.  He  came  at  4,  and  brought  M'lle, 
who  is  very  pretty  and  gentiP,  and  three  boys,  Edward, 


I     Is  this  for  Captain  ?  .  . 

•L  For  three  faires  de  has  d,  coton  for  tant  de  filoselle,  etc.  Three  pairs  of  cotton  stockings 
for  as  many  of  floss  silk,  and  ordered  a  pattern  for  breeches  of  black  silk  (sole  noire)  kiM(trtcotee) 
in  fixed  stitch. 

3  The  Sainte-Pelagie  prison. 

4  This  sentence  is  crossed  out  by  Burr  in  the  MS. 

5  For  Mr.  Griswold. 

6  For  gentille.     Pretty,  genteel. 


483 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

,  and  .     We    had    a    little    repast  of 

peaches,  grapes,  bread,  butter,  cheese,  and  wine,  which 
cost  about  3  livres,  and  nosegay  for  M'lle.  Staid  till  5. 
Before  their  arrival,  I  being  hungry,  took  my  fillibonka1 
and  ate  again  with  them.  Madame  P.  asked  me  to 
dine,  as  she  does  almost  every  day,  but  I  had  dined. 

13.  Rose  6.  At  9  to  Mr.  G.'s ;  not  up.  To 
Baron  d'Alberg's  ;  not  up.  Now  it  seems  the  air  and 
stars  have  taken  a  drowsy  turn.  Waited  at  d'Alberg's 
till  he  got  up,  and  passed  ^  hour.  He  says  that  the 
Due  Rovigo  told  him  that  Mons.  le  C.  B.2  might  have 
his  passport  whenever  he  would  call  for  it.  This  was 
great  news  ;  very  great,  if  true  in  the  event.  To  Mr. 
G.'s,  who  received  me  very  courteously.  Began  with 
my  business — the  most  awkward  of  all  sorts  of  busi- 
ness, F argent!1  Spoke  of  his  losses,  &c.,  which  I 
knew  to  be  very  true.  He  has  been  infamously  swin- 
dled by  men  who  hold  unmerited  estimation  in  the 
world.  Agreed  to  take  breakfast  with  him  to-morrow 
at  10,  which  I  shall  not  forget.  To  Fonzi's,  who  was 
very  much  occupied.  To  Saugnier's,  sec.  de  la  police 
generate*,  to  demand  my  passeport.  He  would  not  see 
me.  These  fellows  are  often  more  difficult  than  their 
masters.  Sent  in  a  note  to  him,  and  received  verbally 
in  reply  that  he  had  no  instructions  from  the  Duke 
about  my  pasport5,  but  would  see  him  on  the  subject 
to-day.  Thence  to  the  prefecture**,  where  the  passe- 

i  Davis  substitutes  the  word  share, 

z  Colonel  Burr. 

J  Money. 

4  For  Secretaire  de  la  Police  Generate.     Secretary  of  the  General  Police. 

5  So  in  the  MS.     Burr  may  mean  it  for  the  French  form,  passeport,  which  he  sometimes  uses. 

6  For  prefecture.     The  office  of  the  prefet  or  prefect. 

484 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

ports  are  finally  had  and  paid  for.  The  chef  du  bureau* 
made  me  the  same  reply  as  Saugnier.  Thence  on  to 
Pelasgie1,  where  dined  with  Swan.  The  important  con- 
cern is  about  merino  sheep.  No  doubt  there  is  a  great 
deal  of  money  to  be  made  by  it,  but  it  it  out  of  my 
line.  Home  at  7.  To  Pelasgie*  from  my  quarters  is 
more  than  three  miles.  Vanderlyn  came  in  and  sat 
two  hours.  Had  coffee  blanc1.  I  am  making  an 
experiment  of  coffee  not  burnt,  having  somewhere  read 
that  the  burning  made  the  oil  acid,  which  was  the  cause 
of  the  nervous  effect.  I  have  drank  two  large  cups. 
You  will  know  to-morrow  how  I  sleep.  Vanderlyn 
found  it  detestable,  and  I  confess  it  was  somewhat 
mawkish. 

14.  Couche  12.  Rose  6,  having  slept  perfectly 
well,  the  white  coffee  notwithstanding.  Have  taken  a 
large  dose  this  evening,  and  something  stronger  than 
that  of  yesterday.  Found  it  more  intolerable  to  the 
taste.  Wrote  a  letter  to  Duke  Rovigo,  q.  v.y  to 
remind  him  that  he  had  assured  me  of  his  Majesty's 
assent  to  my  passport ;  that  I  had  applied,  and  the 
answers  I  had  received.  Sent  it  by  a  commissionaire ; 
1 5  sous.  To  Mr.  G.'s4,  where  took  a  second  break- 
fast. He  let  me  have  2,000  francs,  about  333  dollars, 
for  which  I  gave  a  receipt,  containing  a  request  for  you 
to  pay  it,  in  case  I  should  not  pay  it  within  a  year. 
This  will  enable  me  to  get  to  America  if  I  should  ever 
get  passeport.  Passed  two  hours  with  G.  You  know 


I  The  Chief  of  the  Bureau  or  Department  Chief. 

2,  For  Sainte-Pelagie. 

3  For  cafe  blanc.     Literally,  white  coffee. 

4  Griswold. 


485 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

that  I  have  always  thought  he  had  one  of  the  most 
acute,  logical  heads  of  our  country.  To  Fonzi's  where 
till  4,  doing  very  little,  for  we  were  constantly  inter- 
rupted. Home  for  an  hour  and  then  to  Vanderlyn's, 
where  dined.  Walked  with  him  to  Fonzi's  where  yz 
hour.  On  coming  home,  met  on  the  Boulevard  what 
he  thought  a  model.  He  went  to  take  information, 
and  I  sagely  home,  where,  having  taken  my  coffee 
blanc,  I  have  now  at  yz  p.  n  the  honor  to  bid  you 
good-night. 

15.  Couche  12.  Rose  6.  The  white  coffee 
maintains  its  reputation,  and  I  became  more  reconciled 
to  its  flavor.  In  a  little  while  I  shall  like  it.  The  dis- 
advantage is,  that  it  takes  double  the  quantity.  Don't 
imagine  that  I  use  it  perfectly  raw.  Not  so,  Madame. 
The  roasting  took  me  two  hours,  so  afraid  was  I  that 
it  would  be  spoiled.  I  succeeded  to  dry  it  in  an  iron 
machine  made  for  the  purpose  of  "  burning  coffee," 
till  the  whole  was  nearly  a  cream  color,  more  nearly 
approaching  very  pale  cinnamon,  or  something  between 
both.  At  10  to  d'Alberg's.  He  advises  that  I  go 
again  to  the  Duke's  this  day,  being  his  day  of  public 
audience.  Went  on  to  Madame  Robinson's1,  where 
an  hour.  Wine  and  water,  bread,  butter,  and  ham. 
Gamp  was  hungry.  She  urged  me  so  much  to  come 
back  and  dine,  that  I  consented.  Thence  to  Saugnier's, 
secretary  of  the  police.  He  would  not  see  me,  but 
sent  me  word  by  the  huissier  that  he  had  no  instruc- 
tions about  my  passeport.  Then  to  Fonzi's  an  hour, 


I     For  Robertson. 

486 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

but  did  nothing.  Home,  and  dressed  for  the  audience 
of  the  Minister,  and  went.  Had  a  few  words  with  him. 
He  said  that  H.  M.1  had  not  yet  given  his  signature, 
but  that  he  would  procure  it  in  the  course  of  the  next 
week.  Perhaps  so.  Home  ;  changed  my  dress,  and 
to  Fonzi's  another  hour  and  did  nothing.  Then  to 
Madame  R.'s,  where  dined.  T:  Sidney  and  Madame 
Menutzi,  la  mere  Evans1  and  James,  and  Mr.  Adam- 
son  came  in  to  tea.  Off  at  8,  and  directly  home  with- 
out accident,  though  I  had  some  narrow  escapes. 
While  I  was  in  Saugnier's  antichambre*  there  passed  a 
marchand  de  nouveates  et  varieties4,  with  whom  I  had, 
some  weeks  ago,  been  bargaining  for  an  old  painting 
which  I  had  thought  of  buying.  He  saluted  me  very 
respectfully  by  the  title  of  baron ;  said  he  had  my 
works  which  he  had  read  with  great  pleasure,  &c. ;  to 
all  which  I  bowed.  Who  the  devil  can  he  take  me 
for  ?  Have  been  taking  my  caf.  blanc^  and  reading 
two  hours  in  some  books  I  have  been  buying  for  you, 
of  which  shall  say  more  anon. 

1 6.  Rose  7.  Very  chilly.  A  fire  would  be 
comfortable.  At  10  to  Valkenaer's,  where  took  a 
second  breakfast  and  staid  two  hours.  He  is  amusing 
and  instructive.  To  Mr.  G.'s ;  out.  To  Fonzi's, 
and  there  till  */2  p.  3.  We  finished  the  work6,  and  I 
believe  it  is  at  length  perfect.  Home.  Bro.  and  cas. 


I  His  Majesty. 

z  Mother  Evans  or  Mrs.  Evans. 

4  For  »trS^5  d,  nwauti,  et  variiti,.     Merchant  of  novelties  and  miscellanies. 

5  For  cafi  blanc. 

6  Set  of  false-teeth,  probably. 


487 


Private     y  o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

for  din.1  A  packet  from  Mrs.  Robinson  and  request 
to  dinner  on  Tuesday  ;  agreed.  Wrote  note  to  Crede, 
and  went  out  to  leave  it  in  case  he  should  be  out.  To 
Crede's  ;  you  know,  I  don't  believe  you  know, 
though  I  have  told  you  three  times,  hussy ;  why,  then, 
again,  it  is  a  league.  Home  at  ^  p.  6.  At  7  came 
in  Vanderlyn  and  sat  an  hour.  Have  taken  caf.  blanc 
but  san.  socer1'. 

17.  Slept  sound  till  7.  What  can  have  produced 
this  lethargy  ?  Not  the  white  coffee,  surely.  At  ^ 
p.  9  to  d'Alberg's  ;  told  him  of  my  interview  of 
Saturday.  Says  there  must  be  something  more  than 
ordinary.  Thence  to  Roux's  ;  out,  as  was  said.  To 
the  marchand  des  varietes  to  look  again  at  that  picture, 
and  finally  bought  it,  thinking  it  would  please  you  ; 
48  francs  !  What  extravagance  !  But  that  is  by  no 
means  the  worst  article  of  this  day's  work.  Thence  to 
Michaux's,  the  botanist,  who  was  many  years  in  the 
United  States,  and  has  written  a  valuable  little  book  of 
his  travels.  He  is  now  publishing  his  account  of  our 
trees,  which  will  be  extremely  interesting.  It  demon- 
strates that  we  (not  the  whole  continent  but  the  United 
States  alone)  have  three  times  the  number  of  useful 
trees  that  Europe  can  boast;  but  I  will  bring  so  much 
of  his  work  as  is  published.  I  called  on  him  yester- 
day, but  he  was  out,  and  out  again  to-day.  Thence  to 
Vanderlyn's,  which  is  near  (that  is,  about  a  mile),  and 
at  i  back  again  to  Michaux's,  whom  I  found.  My 

I     Bro.  for  Swedish  brad,  bread;  cas.  for  German  Kaie,  cheese,  and  din.  for  French  diner. 
Including  English,  four  languages  are  drawn  upon  to  form  this  little  sentence  of  five  words  ! 
a     San.  is  for  French  sans,  without.     Soar  may  be  for  Swedish  soc&er  or  French  sucre,  sugar. 

488 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

business  was  to  ascertain  the  identity  of  a  plant  and  a 
tree,  both  vaunted  here  in  medicine,  and  Mr.  M.  gave 
me  the  most  perfect  satisfaction.  Thence  home,  but 
alas  !  on  my  way  a  p.  of  dem.1,  and  so  8  francs.  How 
many  curses  have  I  heaped  on  poor  Gam.,  and  yet  he 
is  rather  to  be  pitied ;  only  see  how  for  the  last  fifteen 
days  he  has  been  so  good  and  considering  his  habits, 
and  considering,  &c.,  &c.  And  so  we  will  try  to  for- 
get it  till  next  time.  Got  home  at  J^  p.  2.  Smoked 
my  segar.  Ate  bread  and  cheese  and  drank  vin  and 
water.  Then  dressed  for  dinner.  At  y2  p.  4  to  Dr. 
Swediaur's,  calling  on  the  Lyon  on  the  way  to  see  my 
taylor1,  a  great  rascal,  but  if  I  change  I  shall  get  a 
greater.  The  porter  at  the  Lyon  told  me  that  a 
gentleman  had  called  there  to  see  me,  and  she  had 
given  him  my  address.  "  And,  pray,  where  did  you 
direct  him  ?"  "Why,  to  No.  9  Rue  du  Croissant3." 
Now,  as  I  am  at  No.  7,  she  might  as  well  have  sent 
him  to  the  Boulevard  Parnasse4,  and  so  I  have  not 
seen  the  gentleman.  It  was,  as  agreed,  a  tete-a-tete 
with  Swediaur.  The  story  of  William  Vance,  charged 
with  forgery,  to  whom  Armstrong  gave  a  passport 
under  a  feigned  name  to  favor  his  escape.  Of  Upson, 
whom  he  wished  to  charge  with  despatches  for  Eng- 
land, but  required  a  receipt  for  a  sum  of  money  not 

paid.     Of ;  I  don't  know,  but  a  great  many 

others.     Home  at  %   p.  7-     Drank  too  much  wine. 
Have  taken  my  caf.  blanc  still  stronger.     Found,  on 

,  This  may  stand  for  a  pair  of  dtmiltillti,  girls,  or  dcmiref>,  women  of  questionable  charac- 
ter. 

2  So  in  the  MS. 

3  Street  of  the  Crescent. 

4  For  Boulevard  du  Montparnasse. 

489 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

my  arrival  here,  a  letter  from  Scherer  and  Fringestin, 
enclosing  one  from  Gahn,  open.  An  apology  from 
S.  and  F.,  which  was  unnecessary,  for  it  is  known  that 
all  foreign  letters  go  to  the  police  for  examination.  If 
you  should  have  written  me  by  the  same  occasion,  the 
letter  has  not  been  delivered.  Perhaps  you  had  a 
few  words  of  cipher ;  if  so,  I  shall  never  see  it.  But, 
ah,  perhaps  that  gentleman  whom  I  have  not  seen  had 
letters  for  me  !  Curse  the  porteress.  Some  weeks 
ago,  the  24  sous  and  12  sous  pieces  were,  by  an  im- 
perial decree,  put  down  to  20  and  10  sous.  I  paid 
my  quota  of  the  tax,  having  just  then  received  about 
twenty  of  those  pieces.  There  was  a  publication  by 
authority  on  the  occasion.  Then,  after  an  interval  of 
about  fifteen  or  twenty  days,  the  louis,  the  old  crowns 
and  half  crowns  were  reduced.  To  this,  also,  I  con- 
tributed, having  had  the  same  luck  as  before.  On 
Friday  or  Saturday  last,  the  6-liard1  pieces  (i*/£  sous) 
were  put  at  i  sou,  or  reduced  to  nothing,  as  they  ought 
to  have  been,  I  don't  know  which  ;  of  them  I  had  for 
the  first  time  about  forty  in  my  possession  ;  but  as 
this  bore  hard  on  the  very  poor,  the  6-liards  were, 
by  a  proclamation  in  the  evening,  restored  to  their 
nominal  value,  which  is  a  pity.  The  sooner  the  old 
money  is  out  of  the  way  the  better,  for  it  makes  a  deal 
of  intricacy  and  confusion  in  dealings,  whereas  the  new 
is  all  in  decimals  like  ours  ;  is  also  well  struck,  and 
very  handsome,  so  that  I  should  very  cheerfully  pay 
my  quota. 

I     The  Hard  was  a  small  coin  worth   a  quarter  of  a  sou.     The  6-liard  piece  was,  therefore, 
worth,  as  stated,  i^  sous. 

49° 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

1 8.  Couche  i.     Rose  7  something  the  worse  for 
the  dinner  of  yesterday.     At   10  came  in  Mr.  G.  and 
sat  till  12.     He  has   a  most  profound,  analytic  head. 
At  i  to  Fonzi's.     Thence  to  Bourgoin,  thejoualtier1, 
to   order  a  pair  of  springs.       To  the  taylor's2  at  the 
Lyon.     Home.     Dressed  for  dinner  and  off  to  Mad- 
ame Robertson's.     Was,  by  appointment,  to  be  there 
at  Y*   p.  4  to  talk  of  business.     T  to   dine,  M'lle  J. 
Evans  and  Madame  Menutzi,  and,  after  dinner,  Mr. 
Adamson.     Staid  till  9.     Home  just  before  10.     Not 
permitted   to  walk    through    the   Thulleries'   at  that 

hour. 

19.  At  10  to  Valkenaer's,  where  took  a  second 
breakfast.     To    Roux's,    from   whom  got   the  usual 
answer.     To  Saugnier's  to  inquire  for  a  small  parcel 
of  books  which  I  supposed  I  had  left  there,  but  found 
it  afterward  at  Paschaud's.     Home.     Fillibonke,  and 
at  4  set  out  on  a  very  long  walk  to  Howseal's,  Rue 
Dore.     He  had  removed  to  Isle  St.  Louis4,  about  as 
much  farther.     Went  on,  and  there  found  him  and  his 
eight    enf.s     Home    at    7.     Tired,    and    must   go  to 
sleep,  but  will  have  a  supper  first.     Eggs  and  white 

coffee. 

20.  To  Mr.  G.'s,  where  an  hour.     To  Fonzi's, 

where  met  Vanderlyn,  who  told  me  that  Peale  will 
leave  town  to-morrow  for  F  Orient6  to  sail  thence  for 
Philadelphia.  Home  to  write,  but  could  send  you 

I     foijtaillier.     Jeweler, 
a     So  in  the  MS. 

1  This^lanTls  one  of  two  islands  in  the  Seine  situated  in  the  very  heart  of  Paris ;  the 
other,  connected  with  this  by  a  bridge,  is  1'Isle  de  la  Cite,  Isle  of  the  City.  It  is  upon  this  that 
the  celebrated  cathedral  of  Notre  Dame  is  situated. 

5  For  enfants.     Children. 

6  A  seaport  of  France. 

49 * 


Private     J  o  urn  a  I    of    Aaron     Burr . 

nothing,  not  knowing  any  single  person  in  Philadel- 
phia to  whom  I  could  intrust  a  parcel  to  you.  Yes,  J. 
Barclay  now  occurs  to  me,  but  it  is  too  late,  for  my 
letters  are  gone.  One  to  you,  to  Bollman,  and  to 
Gahn.  Vanderlyn  called  at  8  this  evening  and  we 
went  together  to  hand  the  letters.  Thence  home 
safe. 

21.  After  writing  you  last  evening,  I  made 
draught  of  a  letter  for  Mrs.  Robertson  to  her  lawyer, 
and  did  not  go  to  bed  till  i.  Rose  7  and  at  9  to 
Fonzi's,  where  two  hours.  Thence  home.  At  2  set 
out  to  go  to  St.  Pelasgie1,  but  found  it  too  late,  and 
so  stopped  at  Vanderlyn's,  where,  as  was  agreed  last 
evening,  we  took  an  early  dinner  that  we  might  go  to 
the  opera  to  see  the  "  Eayarderes  "z.  It  was  said  that 
the  Emperor  would  be  there.  On  the  way  from  Van- 
derlyn's called  on  Crede,  whom  found,  and  agreed  to 
breakfast  with  him  to-morrow.  Thence  to  the  opera. 
The  decorations  and  the  ballet  are  magnificent. 
The  *  *  *  *  ennuyes1  everybody,  yet  in  every 
theatre  they  have  a  parcel  of  rascals  hired  to  applaud 
everything,  from  twenty  to  fifty  of  them,  who  are 
placed  in  the  middle  of  the  •paterre*,  and  are  a  great 
nuisance.  Home  at  yz  p.  10,  and  found  a  note  from 
Madame  Robertson,  and  another  from  Swan.  Just 
12.  Must  coucbe ;  have  answered  both  notes.  Have 
not  taken  my  caf.  blanc  this  evening,  having  no  coal; 


1  Burr  has  mentioned  the  Sainte-P£lagie  prison  several  times,  but  never  before  with  the  word 
St.  prefixed. 

2  For  Bajadires.     A  name  for  dancing  girls  in  the  East  Indies. 

j  The*  *  *  *  annoys  everybody.  Burr's  verb  is  a  hybrid  from  the  French  verb  cnnujer, 
to  annoy,  bore.  The  undecipherable  word  probably  means  claque,  meaning  paid  clappers  at  the 
theatres. 

4     For  parterre. 

492 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

so  consoled  myself  with  milk  punch.  My  uncle 
Stephen  lived  on  milk  punch,  and  at  the  age  of  86 
mounted  by  the  stirrup  a  very  gay  young  horse,  and 
galloped  off  with  me  twelve  miles  without  stopping, 
and  was,  I  thought,  less  fatigued  than  I.  On  my  way 
from  Vanderlyn's  called  on  Crede  and  agreed  to  break- 
fast with  him  to-morrow  morning. 

22.  Rose  6.  The  caf.  blanc  maintains  its  repu- 
tation. Was  at  Crede's  just  before  9,  and  there  took 
breakfast.  We  went  together  to  St.  Pelagic1,  where 
he  left  me,  and  I  passed  an  hour  with  Swan,  talking 
principally  of  sheep.  On  coming  home,  found  the 
card  of  Captain  Skiddy,  with  message  that  he  would 
call  again  between  3  and  4.  Doubtless  some  Ameri- 
can captain  with  a  letter  from  you.  Intended  to  have 
gone  to  the  Due  de  Rovigo's,  but  was  tired,  and  it  is 
a  most  unpleasant  ceremony,  and  I  shall  get  only  the 
usual  answer.  At  4  comes  in  Captain  Skiddy.  He 
is  from  New  York ;  in  the  employ  of  Jamel,  and  his 
business  is  to  present  for  payment  an  order  which  I 
drew  on  Mr.  Alston4  about  fourteen  months  ago,  in 
Sweden,  in  favor  of  Captain  Barry,  for  80  pounds 
sterling.  Captain  Barry  sends  me  word  that  he  had 
written  frequently  to  Mr.  Alston,  who  has  never 
answered  him  !  Very  pleasant !  To  Madame  Rob- 
ertson's to  dine  at  %  p-  5-  ?•'  Jane  E-  and  Madame 
Men.3  After  dinner  Madame  reproached  me  in  terms 
which  did  not  please  me  with  machinations  against  her 


I     Burr  has  finally  almost  attained  to  the  correct  spelling  of  this  name.     It  should  be  Saint, 
Pelagie,  or  Ste-P&agie. 
z    Burr's  son-in-law. 
j     For  Madame  Menutzi. 

493 


Private     journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

intended  match,  which  is  not  true.  Her  expressions 
were  so  unkind  that  I  left  the  room  without  replying 
and  came  off  and  think  I  shall  not  go  there  again. 
Home  at  8  and  did  not  go  out  again. 

23.  Rose  6.  At  y2  p.  8,  as  was  agreed,  Crede 
came  in  to  take  me  to  breakfast  with  his  friend  Man- 
cel.  A  very  pleasant  young  man,  who  has  a  very 
handsome  establishment  for  a  gar^on1  of  25.  He 
meditates  to  remove  to  United  States,  and  his  younger 
brother  is  now  there  exploring.  We  had  tea,  cutlets, 
and  dessert  of  fruit.  Staid  till  i.  A  very  important 
discovery  has  been  made  here,  viz.,  to  make  vinegar, 
of  excellent  quality,  from  the  sap  of  any  trees.  The 
process  gives  you  all  the  moisture  in  vinegar,  and  all 
the  wood  in  carbon.  I  shall  get  the  details  if  I  can 
find  money  to  pay  for  it,  that  is  to  say,  about  100  dol- 
lars. Walked  with  Crede  to  buy  a  sample  of  this 
vinegar;  but  the  store  was  shut,  being  Sunday.  We 
went  then  to  see  Mons.  Cagniard1,  and  his  new  inven- 
tion of  raising  water  and  performing  any  mechanical 
operation.  His  apparatus  is  a  screw  of  Archimedes 
turned  the  reverse,  air,  water,  and  quicksilver.  Cag- 
niard  was  abroad  ;  but  we  saw  a  model,  and  worked  it, 
and  got  the  report  of  a  committee  of  the  Institute3  on 
the  subject.  If  the  thing  performs  what  is  said,  I  will 
apply  it  to  give  water  to  Charleston.  Walked  with 
Crede  about  half  way  down  St.  Denis  and  then  came 


I     Bachelor. 

z  Cagniard  de  La  Tour  (1777-1859)  was  a  celebrated  French  physicist  and  engineer  who 
performed  many  notable  experiments  in  physics  and  became  an  inventor  of  considerable  repute. 

3  Meaning  the  Institute  of  France.  This  great  institution  is  divided  into  five  academies, 
one  of  which,  the  Academy  of  Sciences,  interests  itself  in  all  things  relating  to  the  mathematical 
and  physical  sciences. 

494 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr. 

home.  Bro.  and  mjlk.  At  4  to  Fonzi's  ;  he  was  out, 
but  met  Vanderlyn  to  whom  gave  a  commission. 
Home  at  */£  p.  6.  Caf.  blanc  bien  fort.1  Vanderlyn 
came  in  at  8  and  sat  an  hour.  A  note  from  Madame 
R.  Very  amiable  ;  must  make  up.  So  wrote  a  very 
amiable  answer,  q.  v.  Poor  good  soul,  she  is  griev- 
ously tormented  by  her  lovers  and  will  probably  finish 
by  marrying  one  of  them.  A  note  also  from  Swan. 
Still  sheep! 

24.  Very  early  sent  off  my  note  to  Madame 
Robertson  by  the  commissionaire1,  which  costs  1 5  sous. 
At  10  went  out  to  call  on  Skiddy;  met  him  in  the 
street  with  Howseal.  To  Due  d'Alberg's ;  y  an  hour; 
took  breakfast  a  lafourchette\  &c.  Madame  is  hand- 
some and  lovely.  They  go  to  Rovigo's  to-night,  and 
will  ask  about  my  passport.  I  declined  going.  On 
to  Madame  R.'s.  She  always  keeps  me  about  ^ 
hour  while  she  makes  her  toilette.  She  appeared 
abbattu*.  We  did  not  talk  of  our  quarrel.  Coming 
from  Madame's  called  on  Baron  Claybrooke,  who  has 
returned  to  town  after  three  months'  absence.  Home 
leisurely.  Found  that  Crede  had  just  called.  We  had 
agreed  that  he  should  call  between  2  and  3,  and  I  was 
home  five  minutes  before  3.  He  left  word  he  would 
call  again  ;  and,  as  I  wished  much  to  see  him,  I  staid 
at  home  till  ^  p.  5  ;  but  he  came  not.  So  wrote  him 
a  note,  and  went  and  left  it  at  his  lodgings,  about  one 
league.  Home  at  ft  p.  7.  At  4  bro.  and  cos.  and 


I  Caf.  for  cafe.     Very  strong  white  coffee. 

4  For  commissionnaire.     Porter. 

3  A  meat  breakfast. 

4  For  abattut.     Depressed. 


495 


Private     "Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

this  evening  white  coffee.  Answered  Swan's  note  this 
P.  M.  Rumors  of  changes  intended  by  the  Emperor 
in  Spain,  in  Poland,  and  in  Naples.  They  are  but 
rumors.  Read  a  memoire1  on  the  state  of  Europe  be- 
fore the  discovery  of  America. 

22.  To  Due  d'Alberg's  at  10.     T  breakfast  and 
prateingsz  with  la  Due  se?     He  promises  to  talk  with 
Rovigo    of    my    affairs    on     Monday    evening.     To 
Madame  Robertson's  ;  still  dismal.     She  will  finish  by 
marrying  Adamson  against  her  own  will  and  judgment. 
No,  all  this  was  on  Monday  the  24th.     I  have  already 
written  you  Saturday  but  can't  find  it.     But  in  writing 
Saturday  I  forgot  to  mention  (being  engaged  by  the 
brouille*  with  Madame   R.)  the  incident   of  la  boifse*. 

1  do  not  find  that  Montaigne  a  raison6  on  that  subject. 

23.  Went  with  Crede  to  breakfast  with  his  friend 
Mancel.     This  I  have  also  written  you. 

24.  See  above.     We  may  as  well  do  the  thing 
in  gross  for  I  am  now  writing  Thursday  evening,  2yth 
September,  1810.     This  morning  on  my  return  from 
Madame    R.'s   called  on  the   Baron  de   Claybrooke. 
(This  I  have  also  written,  but  can't  find.)     Home  at 

2  to  wait  for  Crede,  who  had  promised  to  call  between 
2  and  3.     He  had  called  just  before  2  and  gone.     He 
will  as  well  have  called7  at  8  as  at  any  other  hour.    He 
left  word  he  would  call   again.     Waited   till   5.     He 


1  For  mimoire.     Memorial. 

2  So  in  the  MS. 

J  For  la  Duchesse. 

4  Quarrel,  disagreement. 

5  For  la  boiteuse.     The  lame  girl. 

6  Is  right.     Does  he  refer  to  the  great  French  essayist  Montaigne  (1552-1591)? 

7  So  in  the  MS. 


496 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

came  not  and  to  his  lodgings,  which  you  know,  is  a 
league  ;  nobody  at  home.  Left  under  the  door  a  note 
which  I  had  written. 

25.  At  10  called  on   Mr.  G.,  where  a  few  min- 
utes.    We  searched  the  code  and  talked  of  Bentham, 
and  of  vinegar,  &c.     Thence  to  d'Alberg's  to  hear  his 
report.     The  Minister  of  Police  said  that  he  had  made 
a  report  to  the  Emperor  of  my  demand  of  passport, 
and  had  received  no  answer.     Did  not  know  when  one 
might  be  given ;  so  that  I  am  just  where  I  was  four 
months  ago,  only  with  less  money,  and  the  fine  season 
gone.     Home.    At  i  sor.  and  met  young  Crede.     His 
father  left  town  yesterday,  and  uncertain  when  he  will 
be  back.     Dined  at  home  with  the  family.     To-day  a 
mauv.  recant.1 ;  not  good  ;  6  francs  ;  bah  ! 

26.  To  Valkenaer's,  where  breakfast  a  second 
time,  for   my  first   breakfast  is  generally  made   at  7. 
Valkenaer  always  amuses  me.     To  Mancel's,  where 
YZ  hour.     He  engages  me  to  dine  on  Friday.     The 
first  invitation   of  any  sort  from  a  Frenchman  since 
being  in   France,  now  near  eight  months.     On   my 
return  home  last  evening  found  a  note  from  Vander- 
lyn,  saying  that  Mr.  Warden,  by  whom  I  proposed  to 
write  to  America,  would  leave  town  to-morrow  morn- 
ing.    Wrote  to  you,  to  Gahn,  and  to  Bollman,  and  to 
Greenwood  the  dentiste  and  at  7  this  morning  sent  a 
special  messenger  with  the  letters  to  Vanderlyn.    At  5 
to  Vanderlyn's  to  dine.      After  dinner  we  walked  by 
the  way  of  the  Thuilleries1  to  Fonzi's,  where  an  hour 

I     For  une  mauvaise  rencontre.     A  bad  rencounter. 

4     So  in  the  MS.     Burr  has  great  difficulty  with  this  word. 

497 


Private     Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

and  thence    home,  where  we  took  caf.  blanc.     Took 
bath  before  dinner ;  40  sous. 

27.  Now  I  have  got  up  with  you  and  will  try 
to  keep  even1.  Yesterday  called  on  Sisto,  the  Spanish 
mail  de  languas2,  to  engage  him  to  give  me  a  few  les- 
sons in  his  language.  This  morning  at  9  he  came  an4 
staid  an  hour.  I  would  do  nothing  but  read  aloud 
after  him,  to  catch  the  pronunciation,  and  translate. 
Have  laid  out  a  louis  in  grammars,  dictionaries,  and 
some  other  books,  for  which  expense  I  console  myself 
that  they  will  be  useful  to  you  and  Gampillo.  Wrote 
you  another  letter,  and  one  to  Hosack,  with  a  parcel 
for  each  of  you,  and  went  to  Vanderlyn's  with  them. 
He  went  to  Warden's,  who,  learning  that  the  letters 
and  parcels  were  from  me,  would  not  take  them. 
Home  and  dined  on  fillebonka.  After  dinner  to  hunt 
two  or  three  pamphlets.  Home  at  6.  Caf.  blanc.  A 
long  visit  from  Jul.3  to  talk  about  her  business,  and  to 
get  me  to  write  some  more  letters.  Poor  soul,  she 
repeats  over  her  instructions  200  times,  for  fear  I 
should  forget  them.  Have  read  this  evening  Molle- 
ral's  pamphlet  on  the  wood  vinegar  ;  a  very  important 
discovery;  and  Parmentier's  on  the  management  of 
wine  ;  very  stupid  and  unsatisfactory.  To-day  bought 
YZ  pound  of  sir  of  de  raisins4,  for  experiment.  It  is 
something  like  very  dirty  molasses  diluted  exceedingly 
with  dirty  water.  The  taste  corresponds  to  the 
appearance.  I  can  make  no  sort  of  use  of  it.  Cost 


1  Referring  to  his  Journal,  which  he  had  neglected. 

2  For  French  maitrt  des  langues,  or  Spanish  maestro  des  lenguai.     Language  master. 

3  For  Julie,  a  woman  previously  mentioned. 

4  Grape  sugar. 


498 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

12  sous,  and  5  sous  for  the  bottle.  Grapes  are  now 
from  3  to  8  sous  a  pound,  and  I  eat  about  two  pounds 
a  day. 

28.  At  10  to  Mr.  G.'s1,  where  ^  hour  talking 
of  vinegar  and  other  projects.  Thence  to  Valkenaer's 
to  get  a  pamphlet  which  I  had  borrowed  from  d' Alberg, 
and  lent  him.  He  had  lent  it  to  a  friend^  so  I  think 
it  is  in  a  fair  way  to  be  lost.  Thence  home  to  get 
another  pamphlet  about  vinegar,  which  I  had  prom- 
ised to  G.  Called  again  at  G.'s,  and  thence  to 
d'Alberg's,  where  ^2  hour.  Thence  to  Sisto's  to  say 
that  I  could  not  take  a  lesson  till  Monday.  Home 
and  at  3  to  Rue  St.  Denis  to  buy  a  toy  for  Annabella. 
Got  in  trouble  by  the  way  and  spent  6  francs.  Home 
to  dress  for  dinner.  Vanderlyn  came  in  and  we  walked 
together  to  Fonzi's  and  to  Marcel's  where  met  Crede 
and  a  young  Frenchman,  Bourdelet,  a  handsome, 
intelligent  man  of  about  36.  We  were  five  at  table. 
A  plain,  good  dinner,  intended  to  suit  my  taste.  A 
pleasant,  chearful*  party.  Off  at  ^  p.  8.  Mancel 
and  Bourdelet  walked  with  us,  and  we  took  ice  creams 
on  the  Boulevard.  Then  parted.  Crede  and  I  walked 
together  ^  hour,  and  agreed  to  meet  at  10  to-morrow 
morning.  On  my  arrival  home,  found  a  note  from 
Swan,  containing  at  last  some  news  from  V.,  but  not 
perfectly  satisfactory;  also  a  verbal  message  from  Mrs. 
Robertson,  left  by  her  coachman,  begging  me  to  call 
on  her  to-morrow  morning,  and  by  no  means  to  fail. 
What  the  devil  can  be  now  in  the  wind  ?  It  is  quite 


1  Griswold's. 

2  So  in  the  MS. 


499 


Private     'Journal    of    Aaron     Burr . 

malapropos1,  for  I  am  engaged  to  go  with  G.  to-morrow 
morning  in  the  country. 

29.  At  10  to  G.'s,  where  met  Crede.  Found 
G.  ready  for  the  country  jaunt,  but  asked  an  hour's 
delay,  that  I  might  go  and  see  what  was  Madame  R.'s 
distress.  Took  cabriole'2'  (the  first  time  in  a  month) 
and  drove  to  Madame  R.'s.  Found  her  unusually 
well,  and  expecting  that  I  would  dine  with  her,  which 
was  the  only  message  by  her  servant.  The  rest  was 
the  invention  of  our  deaf  Jeanette ;  so  drove  back 
again  to  G.'s.  Having  last  evening  written  to  Swan 
that  I  would  call  upon  him  this  evening,  wrote  from 
G.'s  that  I  must  postpone  my  visit  to  him  till  to-mor- 
row morning.  Went  with  G.  in  cabriole  to  see  a  place 
he  had  thought  of  buying.  Passed  two  or  three  hours 
there,  and  got  in  town  at  ^  5.  Took  dinner  with 

him   at  the  ,  a  famous  restaurateur  s  on  the 

Boulevard.  At  7  we  parted.  I  to  F.  where  met  the 
beautiful  Madame  C.  and  her  beautiful  daughter  about 
4  years  old.  "  Ma  petite,  montrez  fa  piece  de  mar- 
riage"*;  and  she  showed  it.  There  were  three  ladies 
and  four  gent.  Engaged  to  pass  some  hours  with  F. 
to-morrow  to  finish  our  business.  Just  as  T  got  home 
came  in  young  Crede,  to  say  that  his  father  had 
engaged  Mancel  to  take  me  out  to  pass  the  day  at  his 
house  at  St.  Germain's4,  and  to  set  off  at  8.  I  had 

1  For  mat  a  frofas.     Ill-timed. 

2  A  one-horse  vehicle.     Cabriolet  was  a  lighter  vehicle  of  the  same  kind.     From  this  word 
comes  our  word  cab.     Cabs,  or  cabriolets,  as  they  were  first    called,  were  not  known  to  the 
English  till  1820. 

3  For  "  montrt  ta  piece  de  mariage."     A  piece  de  mariage,  literally  marriage-piece,  was  ordi- 
narily a  medal  of  gold  or  silver  given  by  the  husband  to  the  wife  during  the  marriage  ceremony. 
Here  it  may  be  called  the  engagement  present.     In  spite  of  her  slight  age  the  child  may   have 
been  already  affianced. 

4  Burr  uses  these  names  of  places  as  if  they  were  the  names  of  persons.     He  should  say,  of 
course,  at  St.  Germain. 

5OO 


Private    Journal    of    Aaron    Burr . 

much  desired  this  party,  and  Crede  had  made  it  to 
gratify  me ;  but  how  unfortunate !  What  is  to  be 
done  with  my  engagements  with  F.  and  S  ? 

30.  In  my  great  embarras1  I  resolved  to  disap- 
point Crede,  though  sorely  against  my  will.  At  9 
called  on  Mancel  to  tell  him  so.  He  had  already 
gone.  Hence  to  Fonzi's,  on  whose  account  I  gave  up 
the  other  engagement.  Found  him  engaged,  and  the 
bijoutier*  not  come.  Home  to  get  my  permission  for 
the  Pelasgie3.  Thence  to  the  bijoutier  s  to  engage 
him  to  go  to  F.'s ;  then  to  St.  Pelasgie,  where  passed 
a  few  minutes  with  Swan ;  thence  to  Vanderlyn's  to 
meet  me  at  dinner  at  F.'s;  then  to  F.'s.  For  these 
courses  took  cabriole^  which  cost  me  3  francs.  Note, 
Madame,  it  is  the  first  time  in  a  month  that  I  have  paid 
carriage-hire.  F.  and  I  did  very  little ;  but  we  dined 
and  smoked  segars.  Hernandez  and  Vanderlyn,  and 
the  bijoutier  were  our  party.  Vanderlyn  came  home 
with  me  at  8  and  we  took  caf.  blanc  together.  Found 
on  my  return  home  another  letter  from  Gahn,  dated 
3<Dth  July,  referring  me  to  former  letters  which  have 
not  been  received,  but  saying  that  he  has  forwarded 
me  many  letters,  of  which,  however,  I  have  not  seen 
one. 


1  Perplexity. 

2  Jeweler. 

3  Permission  or  permit  to  visit  the  Sainte-Pelagie  prison. 


5OI 


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